ANNUAL REVIEW FY2016

ANNUAL REVIEW FY2016

ILLAWARRA COAL

BULLI SEAM OPERATIONS

Annual Review FY2016 1

CONTENTS Title Block ....................................................................................................................................... 4 1. Statement of Compliance ........................................................................................................ 5 2. Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 7

2.1. Background ......................................................................................................................... 7 2.2. Overview of Operations ....................................................................................................... 7 2.3. Mine Contacts ..................................................................................................................... 8

3. Approvals ................................................................................................................................ 9 4. Operations Summary ............................................................................................................ 11

4.1. Exploration ........................................................................................................................ 11 4.2. Land Preparation ............................................................................................................... 11 4.3. Construction ...................................................................................................................... 11 4.4. Mining ............................................................................................................................... 13 4.5. Mineral Processing ............................................................................................................ 14 4.6. Ore and Product Stockpiles ............................................................................................... 14

5. Actions Required From Previous Annual Review .................................................................. 16 6. Environmental Performance .................................................................................................. 17

6.1. Air Pollution ....................................................................................................................... 17 6.2. Erosion and Sediment ....................................................................................................... 22 6.3. Surface Water ................................................................................................................... 22 6.4. Groundwater ..................................................................................................................... 26 6.5. Contaminated Polluted Land ............................................................................................. 26 6.6. Waste ................................................................................................................................ 29 6.7. Threatened Flora and Fauna ............................................................................................. 32 6.8. Weeds ............................................................................................................................... 35 6.9. Blasting ............................................................................................................................. 35 6.10. Operational Noise .......................................................................................................... 35 6.11. Visual, Stray Light .......................................................................................................... 37 6.12. Aboriginal Heritage and Natural Heritage....................................................................... 38 6.13. Spontaneous Combustion ............................................................................................. 39 6.14. Bushfire ......................................................................................................................... 39 6.15. Mine Subsidence ........................................................................................................... 39 6.16. Hydrocarbon Contamination .......................................................................................... 54 6.17. Methane Ventilation ....................................................................................................... 54 6.18. Mine Safety Gas Drainage ............................................................................................. 54 6.19. Hazardous Material Management .................................................................................. 55 6.20. North Cliff ...................................................................................................................... 56 6.21. Public Safety ................................................................................................................. 58


7. Water Management ............................................................................................................... 60 7.1. Water Supply and Use ....................................................................................................... 60 7.2. Surface Water ................................................................................................................... 62 7.3. Groundwater Management ................................................................................................ 63 7.4. Rainfall .............................................................................................................................. 63

8. Rehabilitation ........................................................................................................................ 64 8.1. Rehabilitation for the reporting period ................................................................................ 64 8.2. Rehabilitation Trials and Research .................................................................................... 65 8.3. Further Development of the Final Rehabilitation Plan ........................................................ 65

9. Community ............................................................................................................................ 66 9.1. Environmental Complaints ................................................................................................. 66 9.2. Community Liaison ............................................................................................................ 66 9.3. Douglas Park Advisory Panel ............................................................................................ 68 9.4. Community Partnerships Program ..................................................................................... 69 9.5. Camp Quality Convoy........................................................................................................ 70 9.6. Complaints/Enquiries Management ................................................................................... 70

10. Independent Audit ............................................................................................................. 71 11. Activities To Be Completed In The Next Reporting Period ................................................. 73

11.1. Mine Operations ............................................................................................................ 73 11.2. Projects ......................................................................................................................... 73 11.3. Environmental Management .......................................................................................... 73

12. References ........................................................................................................................ 74 13. Plans ................................................................................................................................. 75

Plan 1 - Regional Location Plan ................................................................................................. 75 Plan 2 - Appin East (Central) Mine Site ...................................................................................... 77 Plan 3 – Appin West Mine Site ................................................................................................... 79 Plan 4 – No.1 & No.2 Shaft Site ................................................................................................. 81 Plan 5 – No.3 Shaft Site ............................................................................................................. 83 Plan 6 – No.6 Shaft Site ............................................................................................................. 85 Plan 7 – Douglas North Substation ............................................................................................. 87 Plan 8 – West Cliff South Site ..................................................................................................... 89 Plan 9 – West Cliff North Side .................................................................................................... 91 Plan 10 – North Cliff Site ............................................................................................................ 93 Plan 11 – Exploration for The Period .......................................................................................... 95 Plan 12 – Land Preparation Plan ................................................................................................ 97 Plan 13 – West Cliff Emplacement Cultural Heritage Sites ......................................................... 98 Plan 14 – Mine Extraction Plan ................................................................................................... 99

Appendices ................................................................................................................................. 101


Appendix A: Annual Rehabilitation Report ................................................................................ 101 Appendix B: 2015/16 EPA Annual Return................................................................................. 102 Appendix C: FY2016 Complaints .............................................................................................. 103 Appendix D: BSO EPBC Approval 2010/5350 Compliance Report ........................................... 104 Appendix E: BSO Consent Compliance Report and Summary of Non-compliances ................. 105 Appendix F: Rehabilitation Cost Estimate ................................................................................. 115


1. STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE

Table 1: Statement of compliance

Development Approval Purpose Issue Date Expiry date Compliant?

08_0150 Bulli Seam Operations Project Approval under Section

75J of the EP&A Act 1979.

22/12/2011 31/12/2041 Yes

EPBC 2010/5350 Federal Government approval of the Bulli Seam

Operations Project under Sections 130(1) and 133 of

the EPBC Act 1999.

15/05/2012 15/05/2042 Yes

10_0079 Appin Ventilation Shaft No.6 Approval under Section

75J of the EP&A Act 1979.

04/05/2011 04/05/2041 Yes1

EPBC 2010/5722 Federal Government approval of the Appin Mine

Ventilation Shaft No.6 under Sections 130(1) and 133 of

the EPBC Act 1999.

01/04/2011 01/04/2041 Yes

Mining Lease / Sub-Lease

Number

Coal Lease 388 22 Jan1992 22 Jan 2034 Yes

Mining Lease 1382 20 Dec 1995 19 Dec 2016* Yes

Mining Lease 1433 24 Jul 1998 23 Jul 2019 Yes

Mining Lease 1574 09 Jul 2008 30 Dec 2023 Yes

Mining Lease 1678 27 Sep 2012 26 Sep 2033 Yes

Mining Lease 1698 26 Jun 2014 26 Jun 2035 Yes

Consolidated Coal

Lease 724 4 Jul 1991 18 Dec 2031

Yes

Consolidated Coal

Lease 767 29 Oct 1991 08 Jul 2021

Yes

Coal Lease 381 24 Oct 1991 24 Oct 2033 Yes

Mining Purposes Lease 200 13 Jan 1982 13 Jan 2024 Yes

Mining Purposes Lease 201 1 Jan 1982 13 Jan 2024 Yes

Mining Lease 1473 20 Nov 2000 29 Nov 2021 Yes

1Application has been submitted to incorporate the VS#6 Approval requirements into the BSO Approval.


Table 2: Non-compliances

Relevant

approval Condition #

Condition

description

(summary)

Compliance

status Comment

Where addressed in

Annual Review

N/A

Refer to Appendix D: BSO EPBC Approval 2010/5350 Compliance Report & Appendix E: BSO Consent Compliance Report and Summary of Non-compliances for more detail.


2. INTRODUCTION 2.1. BACKGROUND

This Annual Review for the Bulli Seam Operations (BSO) details the environment and community performance for the 12 month period ending 30th June 2016 and meets the requirements set out in the Annual Review Guidelines (NSW DPE, 2015).

The Review has been prepared to meet the requirements of Schedule 6 Condition 4 of the BSO Development Consent, Schedule 4, Condition 3 of the Ventilation Shaft No.6 Development Consent and the Department of Resources and Energy (DRE) requirement to submit an Annual Environmental Management Report (AEMR) under the Mining Lease for the BSO.

A copy of the report is publicly available via the South32 website under Bulli Seam Operations: http://www.south32.net/our-operations/australia/illawarra-coal/regulatory-document.

2.2. OVERVIEW OF OPERATIONS

The NSW Government granted approval for the Bulli Seam Operations Project (BSOP) in December 2011. The BSOP combines future mining operations and provides for the continuation of coal mining operations at the Appin Mine and West Cliff Colliery. The Bulli Seam underground longwall mining operations have transitioned wholly to the Appin areas (Area 9 and Area 7) following completion of longwall mining activities at West Cliff in early 2016. The locations of all sites associated with the BSOP are illustrated in Plan 1 - Regional Location Plan.

Appin Appin Mine consists of the merged Appin and Tower collieries. Appin Mine is owned and operated by Endeavour Coal P/L, a subsidiary company of Illawarra Coal Pty Ltd (ICHPL) which is 100% owned by South32. Appin Colliery (located at Appin) commenced operations in 1962 and Tower Colliery (located at Douglas Park) commenced operation in 1978. The underground infrastructure, roadways, conveyor and ventilation systems were joined in 2003 to become the Appin Mine. The original Appin Colliery is located adjacent to Appin Village, approximately 37 kilometres Northwest of Wollongong.

Tower Colliery (Now Appin West) was officially opened in November 1978. Following the sinking of the access and ventilation shafts, underground development of the mine was undertaken from 1978 through to 1988 when longwall operations were introduced. Tower Colliery completed extraction of 20 longwall blocks between 1988 and September 2002. The mine was redeveloped underground to establish mining operations in the current longwall Area 7 mining domain.

Key areas associated with the current Appin operations include the Appin East (Central) pit top site (Plan 2 - Appin East (Central) Mine Site), the Appin West pit top site (Plan 3 – Appin West Mine Site), the Appin East (Central) No.1 and No.2 fan site (Plan 4 – No.1 & No.2 Shaft Site), the Appin West No.3 fan site (Plan 5 – No.3 Shaft Site), No.6 fan site (Plan 6 – No.6 Shaft Site) and the Douglas Park substation site (Plan 7 – Douglas North Substation).

West Cliff West Cliff Colliery is located 26km northwest of Wollongong, NSW. West Cliff Colliery is operated by Endeavour Coal Pty Ltd, a subsidiary company of ICHPL with South32 as the parent company. South32 owns 100% of the West Cliff assets.

Illawarra Coal has conducted underground coal mining operations at West Cliff since 1997. Prior to this, West Cliff was operated by Kembla Coal and Coke Pty Limited (KCC). Longwall mining at West Cliff concluded in early 2016. The latest mining area, Area 5, was completed in February 2016 and consists of part of Consolidated Coal Lease 767 and Coal Lease 381 which were both transferred from Appin Colliery to West Cliff Colliery in 1997. West Cliff merged with Appin Mine in February 2016.

http://www.south32.net/our-operations/australia/illawarra-coal/regulatory-document


Key areas of the West Cliff Colliery Site include the pit top (Plan 8 – West Cliff South Site), the West Cliff Emplacement Area and Coal Preparation Plant (CPP) at the North Site (Plan 9 – West Cliff North Side) and the redundant North Cliff Mine site within the Dharawal National Park Area (Plan 10 – North Cliff Site).

2.3. MINE CONTACTS

Table 3: Contacts. Position Name Number

Appin Colliery Manager Production Heath Hannigan (02) 4640 4032

Production Superintendent - WCCPP Carl Ernst (02) 4640 4130

Environmental Officer David Gregory (02) 4286 3386

Environmental Supervisor Peter McMillan (02) 4286 3415


3. APPROVALS Tables below describe the Development Approvals, Mining Leases, Licences and Exploration Leases associated with the BSO.

Table 4: Development Approvals associated with the BSO Document Issue Date Expiry date

Appin Gas Drainage Project – Initial Oct 2009

Appin Gas Drainage Project – 2010 Dec 2010 Drilling Feb 2017

Appin Gas Drainage Project – 2012 Feb 2012 Extraction wells Oct 2017

Bulli Seam Operations Project Approval (NSW Government) 22 Dec 2011 31 Dec 2041

Bulli Seam Operations Project Approval (EPBC Act) 15 May 2012 15 May 2042

No. 6 Ventilation Shaft (NSW Government) 4 May 2011 4 May 2041

No. 6 Ventilation Shaft (EPBC Act) 1 Apr 2011 1 Apr 2041

Table 5: Mining Leases and Licences associated with the BSO. Mining Lease / Sub-Lease Number Issue Date Expiry Date

Coal Lease 388 22 Jan1992 22 Jan 2034

Mining Lease 1382 20 Dec 1995 19 Dec 2016*

Mining Lease 1433 24 Jul 1998 23 Jul 2019

Mining Lease 1574 09 Jul 2008 30 Dec 2023

Mining Lease 1678 27 Sep 2012 26 Sep 2033

Mining Lease 1698 26 Jun 2014 26 Jun 2035

Consolidated Coal Lease 724 4 Jul 1991 18 Dec 2031

Consolidated Coal Lease 767 29 Oct 1991 08 Jul 2021

Coal Lease 381 24 Oct 1991 24 Oct 2033

Mining Purposes Lease 200 13 Jan 1982 13 Jan 2024

Mining Purposes Lease 201 1 Jan 1982 13 Jan 2024

Mining Lease 1473 20 Nov 2000 29 Nov 2021

Environment Protection Licence 2504 --- ---

NSW Office of Water Licences

10WA103794;

10WA118766;

10WA118778

01 07 2011

01/07/2013

01/07/2013

30/06/2024

24/06/2018

18/02/2018

*Application for renewal submitted

Table 6: Exploration Leases associated with the BSO. Mining Lease / Sub-Lease Site Issue Date Expiry Date

A199 West Cliff 27 Jun 1980 27 Jun 2019

A201 Appin 27 Jun 1980 27 Jun 2019


A248 Appin 13 May 1981 19 Dec 2015*

A306 West Cliff 19 Jul 1983 27 Jun 2019

A312 Appin 10 Aug 1983 10 Aug 2018

A370 Appin 8 May 1986 27 Jun 2019

A395 Appin 23 Nov 1987 10 Aug 2018

A396 Appin/West Cliff 28 Jun 1988 27 Jun 2019

A397 West Cliff 4 Aug 1987 27 Jun 2019

A432 West Cliff 12 Feb 1991 31 Aug 2018

EL 4470 Appin 5 Jan 1993 19 Dec 2015*

*Application for renewal submitted


4. OPERATIONS SUMMARY 4.1. EXPLORATION

During the reporting period the Bulli Seam Exploration Program totaled 1 exploration borehole (coal quality) in CCL767. No exploration was conducted in CCL724. Plan 11 – Exploration for The Period) provides a position of the borehole. Rehabilitation of the drill site on the property has been completed, which includes a standpipe for ongoing monitoring of the piezometer string installed in the borehole.

4.2. LAND PREPARATION

Mine Safety Gas Drainage Two vertical wells, (one of which had two steered lateral branches and the other one steered lateral branch), were constructed and are being progressively commissioned to service gas from the extraction of Longwall 707. These wells targeted the Bulgo Sandstone unit, which is located in strata above the Bulli Coal seam. These wells are located on ICHPL owned property in paddocks adjacent to Menangle Road, Douglas Park.

During 2015/16 rehabilitation activities to address Appin operations included:

Two of four Longwall 706 wells have been grouted to surface.

Area 9 – STIS 2 and 3 have been grouted to surface above an inflated packer.

Emplacement Operations During the reporting period 2.5 Ha of vegetation was cleared within the Stage 3 Emplacement in accordance with the two-stage clearing process outlined in the West Cliff Coal Wash Emplacement Area Management Plan. This area was surveyed during the 2015/16 reporting period. Vegetation and topsoil removed from the cleared area was relocated to the active rehabilitation sites. Plan 12 – Land Preparation Plan) illustrates the active emplacement and rehabilitated areas.

The rehabilitated emplacement areas are inspected regularly to determine the progress and effectiveness of the rehabilitation. The monitoring program consists of quarterly inspections undertaken by an Illawarra Coal Environmental representative which are supplemented by a more extensive annual monitoring program. The quarterly emplacement rehabilitation inspections were undertaken during the reporting period. The Annual monitoring program was undertaken in spring FY16. The report is provided in Appendix A: Annual Rehabilitation Report.

4.3. CONSTRUCTION

The following construction activities were undertaken during the 2015/2016 reporting period:

Ventilation Shaft No. 6 The primary construction activity completed during the reporting period was the earthen noise barrier. This was constructed using coal wash and capped with topsoil and planted with native vegetation. Shaft was commissioned in August 2015.


Figure 1: VS#6 precinct during commissioning.

Water Filtration Plant Upgrade The Appin West Water Filtration Plant is currently being upgraded to:

increase the capacity to pre-treat underground pump-out water;

increase surface storage;

maximise reuse of treated mine waters for underground operations and reduce potable water usage;

increase the processing capacity of mine water.

Works undertaken during the reporting period include:-

Commenced construction of the pre- treatment plant upgrade

Bulk storage and blending plant which included the installation of two 1,000KL water tanks

Increase the processing capacity of mine water – Civil works have commenced which included clearing and reshaping of land. Project has moved into the detail design phase and commissioning is planned for 2017.

Figure 2: Pre-treatment Plant and storage tanks.

Appin East (Central) & West Gas Drainage Plant Flaring Units The Appin West (tower) Gas Drainage Plant has been upgraded to increase the volume of gas extracted and transported to the EDL operated power station. The upgrade included the installation of a 900mm gas extraction pipe down the existing (unused) bulk coal winder shaft as well as flaring units. The flares abate the methane content of the gas when there is no power generation occurring at the EDL power station. This project generates Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCU’s) as regulated by the Commonwealth Government Clean Energy Regulator. Gas flaring units are also partway through construction at the Appin East (Central) Gas Drainage Plant. These also generate ACCU’s.


Figure 3 Upgraded gas drainage plant at Appin West.

4.4. MINING

Longwall Status The Bulli Seam underground longwall mining operations have transitioned wholly to the Appin areas following completion of longwall mining activities at West Cliff in early 2016. Appin and West Cliff mines extract coal from the Bulli Seam within the Southern Coalfield.

During the reporting period, Appin Mine continued extracting coal from Longwalls 706 and 707. As of 30th June 2016, Longwall 707 had extracted 855m, with 2472m remaining.

At West Cliff Longwall 38 commenced extraction on the 3rd of February 2015 and was completed on the 1st of February 2016.

Longwall Production Appin and Westcliff extracted 6.1 million tonnes of ‘Run of Mine’ (ROM) coal via roadway development and longwall extraction methods for the reporting period, an 18% decrease from the 2014/15 reporting period. The ROM production levels from FY09 through to the current reporting period are provided in Figure 4.

Figure 4: ROM production – BSO

The average yield for the Bulli Seam operations for the reporting period was 78%. The production and waste summary for the reporting period is provided in Table 7.

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0


Table 7: Production Summary

Approval Limit Previous Reporting Period

This Reporting Period

End of Next Reporting Period (Est.)

Waste rock/Overburden N/A N/A N/A N/A

ROM Coal/Ore 10.5MT 7.4MT 6.1MT 6.69MT2

Coarse Reject (Coal Wash

Tonnes) 3 N/A 1.89MT 1.6MT 1.3MT4

Saleable Product 9.3MT5 5.6MT 4.9MT 5.4MT

4.5. MINERAL PROCESSING

Mineral processing facilities include the West Cliff Coal Preparation Plant (CPP), the West Cliff Emplacement Area and the Dendrobium CPP (located at the Port Kembla Steelworks). The majority of ROM coal from Appin and West Cliff is directed to the West Cliff CPP for processing. The Emplacement Area is used to emplace coal wash from the West Cliff CPP and Dendrobium CPP.

ROM Coal is transported to West Cliff CPP by:

Coal trucks from the Appin East (Central) site, along Appin and Wedderburn Roads.

Bulk coal winder from the West Cliff mining domain.

ROM Coal from Appin Mine is also directed to the Dendrobium CPP on an ‘as required’ basis to maintain work continuity and maintain reduced stockpile sizes at the Appin Site. ROM coal is transported via Mt Ousley to the Dendrobium CPP (located within the BlueScope Steel complex). Clean coal from the West Cliff CPP is trucked to BlueScope Steel (Port Kembla Steel Works) coal handling facilities or to the Port Kembla Coal Terminal for distribution.

Daily road haulage volumes associated with both the Appin and West Cliff sites is available on the South32 website: http://www.south32.net/our-operations/australia/illawarra-coal/regulatory-document

4.6. ORE AND PRODUCT STOCKPILES

No coal is stockpiled at the Appin West Site as ROM coal is transported underground to the Appin East (Central) Site. The Appin West coal storage bins are currently under care and maintenance.

The Appin East (Central) mine site has a total raw coal stockpiling capacity of up to 50,000 tonnes. The stockpile is recovered with front-end loaders directly into the coal haulage trucks for transport by road to either the West Cliff (Appin North) or Dendrobium CPP’s.

West Cliff (Appin North) operates six primary coal stockpiles for both clean coal and raw coal. The stockpile capacities at West Cliff (Appin North) are outlined in Table 8.

2 Appin Area 7 & 9 3 Total processing waste produced at West Cliff CPP (includes Appin Coal Wash) for Annual Review period only – does not include coal wash produced at Dendrobium CPP 4 Assume ~80% yield of predicted ROM tonnes for FY17 5 Transport Limit



Table 8: West Cliff (Appin North) Stockpiles Capacities Area Capacities

No.1 Stockpile

650,000t nominal capacity - 600,000t coking coal , 20,000t jig coal,

30,000t Middlings coal

(Note: The capacity of this stockpile has been temporarily reduced to

allow space for a temporary lay down area as part of the RCRIP)

No.2 Stockpile 150,000t nominal capacity – generally coking coal

No.3 Stockpile 600,000t nominal capacity – generally coking coal

No.4 Stockpile 800,000t nominal capacity – generally Appin ROM coal

No.5 Stockpile 90,000t nominal capacity – generally Appin ROM coal

No.6 Stockpile 90,000t nominal capacity – generally West Cliff (Appin North) ROM

A Stockpile and Slope Stability Management Plan is in place to manage the stockpile operations. This plan is a framework document where the operational risks and controls are documented. Risks associated with the stockpile operations are also detailed in the West Cliff (Appin North) CPP Risk Register, which is reviewed regularly by the site management team to test the effectiveness of controls.

Monitoring and management review indicates that the current plan effectively controls all potential stockpile management issues effectively.


5. ACTIONS REQUIRED FROM PREVIOUS ANNUAL REVIEW

Table 9: Actions from Previous Annual Review Action Required Where covered in this Annual Review

Nil actions from last report N/A


6. ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE 6.1. AIR POLLUTION

Environmental Management Air quality is managed in accordance with the BSO Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan (AQMP) which details the air quality and emissions control measures for the project, compliance procedures, monitoring programs, evaluation protocols, notification and communication processes.

The AQMP was prepared to comply with the intent and requirements of Condition 12, Schedule 4 of the BSO approval.

The objectives of the AQMP are to:

Provide the frame work for the responsible management of air quality and emissions associated with the project;

Describe the control measures for management of dust, odour, greenhouse gas (GHG) and other emissions to atmosphere;

Prevent adverse air quality impacts on the local communities and environment;

Describe the compliance criteria for air quality for the project;

Describe the air quality monitoring program;

Comply with the relevant requirements of Environment Protection Licence (EPL) No. 2504 and the Bulli Seam Operations (BSO) Project approval;

Describe measures for the reduction of project GHG emissions; and

Comply with South32 and other relevant standards and requirements.

The air quality monitoring program incorporates:

Collection and measurement of dust samples from strategically placed dust deposition gauges at representative sites;

Use of real-time air quality monitors: fixed Optical Photometers, portable Optical Photometers;

Use of a High Volume Air Sampler (HVAS) to determine the land acquisition values; and

Dust emission surveys and spot checks using hand held photometers; and

Visual inspections and audits.


Table 10: BSO Air Quality Monitoring Sites and their Function Location Equipment and Monitoring Point ID Function

Appin

East

(Central)

Dust Deposition Gauge 14

Particulate dust deposition rate at SE corner of Stockpile at property

boundary

Operational Control - Stockpile and internal roadway dust control

measures performance reference


Particulate dust deposition rate at NE corner of Stockpile




Particulate dust deposition rate at NW corner of Appin East (Central) pit

top property boundary

Amenity goal reference

Operational Control - Site dust control performance reference


Particulate dust deposition rate at NE corner of Appin East (Central) pit

top property boundary


Operational Control - Stockpile and public road dust control measures

performance reference


Particulate dust deposition rate at SE corner of Stockpile



Real-time Photometer (fixed)

Photometer ID: (AE-PF3)

(NW corner of Appin East (Central) pit top

boundary between nearest residential

receivers)


Real Time Operational Control

Site dust control performance reference

High Volume Air Sampler

High Volume Air Sampler ID:(AE-HV1)


Review against land acquisition levels

Real Time Operational Control


Photometer ID: (AE-PF1)

(NE corner of pit top property boundary – coal

stockpile vehicle entry/exit point)

Real-time monitoring of dust emissions at the coal stockpile area truck

entry/exit point onto public roads

Real-time Operational Control – Stockpile, internal roads and public road

dust control measures performance reference monitor

Real-time Photometer (portable)

Photometer ID: (AE-PS1)

Coal truck exit point onto Appin Road

Monitor dust emissions at the coal truck exit point onto Appin Road

Quarterly survey dust monitoring point

Real-time Operational Control



Residential Area to the NW of Appin East

(Central) Pit Top

Monitor dust emissions at the Appin residential area immediately NW of

Appin Pit Top



Appin

West

Dust Deposition Gauge No.1

Gauge ID: (AW-DD1)

Particulate dust deposition rate at Appin West pit top

Operational Control – Site and road dust control measures performance



(Appin West pit top – adjacent mine access

road, employee car park and EDL power

plant)

reference


Gauge ID: (AW-DD2)

(Appin West property boundary at Mine

Entrance Point off Douglas Park Drive

Particulate dust deposition rate at the Appin West Mine Gate Entrance

Point and the public road


Operational Control – Site and mine access road dust control measures

performance reference


Photometer ID: (AW-PS1)

Northern property boundary between Appin

West Pit Top and St. Mary’s Towers property

Monitor dust emissions at the Northern pit top property boundary



Appin

West



Main mine road intersection with Douglas

Park Drive

Monitor dust emissions at the mine road intersection with Douglas Park

Drive



West Cliff

(Appin

North)


Gauge ID: (W-DD1)

(West Cliff (Appin North) southern property

boundary at the Wedderburn Rd and-Appin

Rd junction)

Particulate dust deposition rate at the Wedderburn Rd and-Appin Rd

junction

Operational Control – Mine entrance road and coal truck dust control



Gauge ID: (W-DD3)

(West Cliff (Appin North) pit-top south site)

Operational Control – Site dust control performance reference for the

West Cliff (Appin North) pit-top south site


Gauge ID: (W-DD8)

(Brennans Creek Dam)


Operational Control – Site dust control performance reference

Indicator for dust deposition rates between the emplacement area

activities and the nearest Appin township residential area

Baseline and historical dust deposition trends related to the expansion of

the emplacement area north towards the nearest residential receivers


Gauge ID: (W-DD10)

(West Cliff (Appin North) property boundary

between the product stockpiles adjacent to

Wedderburn Road and the Dharawal State

Conservation Area boundary)

Site dust control performance reference for product stockpiles and

Wedderburn Road coal truck transport corridor


Photometer ID: (W-PF1)

(West Cliff (Appin North) southern property

boundary at the Wedderburn and Appin

Road intersection)

Fixed monitor for real-time monitoring of dust emissions at the

Wedderburn Road and Appin Road intersection

Real-time Operational Control – Roadway dust emissions




Photometer ID: (W-PS1)

(Brennans Creek Dam locality to the north of

the West Cliff (Appin North) Emplacement

Area)

Monitor real-time dust emissions at the Brennans Creek Dam locality.


Operational Control and baseline reference point



(Dust emissions survey locality at the western

boundary between the emplacement

operations and Appin Road)

Monitor real-time dust emissions at the zone between the active

emplacement area and Appin Road


Operational Control



(Dust emissions survey locality along

Wedderburn Road between the coal

stockpiles and the Dharawal National Park)

Monitor real-time dust emissions along Wedderburn Road



(Cataract Scout Camp Reserve to the South

West of the West Cliff (Appin North) Site)


Operational Control

Three weather stations and temperature inversion monitoring equipment were installed during FY14. The weather stations are located at Appin East (Central) (with mains power), West Cliff (Appin North) (along Wedderburn Road with solar power) and the Vent Shaft 6 precinct (with solar power).

Environmental Performance Results of the air quality monitoring are reported online every 14 days in accordance with Section 66 (6) of the POEO Act and Schedule 6, Condition 11 of the BSO Project Approval; and on an annual basis to the OEH via the EPA Annual Return (Appendix B – 2015/16 EPA Annual Return). The online report is available via the following link:


A comprehensive summary of all air monitoring results for the BSO is provided below:

BSO Dust Deposition Gauge Monitoring The Appin East (Central) and West Cliff (Appin North) sites non-operational gauges were below the long term criteria/amenity goal of 4 g/m2/month for deposited dust during the reporting period (Figure 5). This is evident at all sites located near the perimeter of the Appin and West Cliff (Appin North) sites (i.e. AE-DDG14, 15, 16 and 17; and AW-DD1 and 2; and WC-DD1, 3 and 8).



Figure 5: Comparison between FY15 and FY16 annual averages for insoluble solids across the BSO.

The long term criteria (amenity goal) applies to particulate emissions on any residence on privately owned land – W-DD10 and AE-DDG18 are operational gauges located within the mine site (i.e. operational land), they provide an indication of effectiveness of the sites immediate dust control measures.

Real-time Monitoring As described in the BSO AQMP, if the optical photometer at Appin East (Central) (AE-PF3) indicates dust levels greater than 80% of the Air Quality Criteria (refer to Schedule 4, condition 9 of the BSO project approval) additional monitoring will be undertaken using the HVAS (AE-HV1) in order to assess compliance. At several times during FY16 the apparent PM10 dust levels were measured above the 80% criteria. Where this occurred it was due to regional air quality problems associated with bush fires and hazard reduction burning. HVAS samples were taken following these and they confirmed the non-operational nature of the exceedances. These were also reported in the 14 day reports (Figure 6). Currently, the optical photometers are unable to determine the difference between dust, rain and fog. High results are often the result of dense fog in the Appin area. A heated inlet was installed on the optical photometer AE-PF3 to reduce the influence of water vapour in the air.

Figure 6: PM10 average 24 hour levels and maximum 24 hour levels at Appin East (Central).


6.2. EROSION AND SEDIMENT

Environmental Management Most activities at the Appin East (Central), West and West Cliff pit top sites are undertaken on relatively flat areas. In addition, high activity areas are sealed. There are minimal exposed earthen areas at both sites. Internal unsealed roads are maintained to prevent dust, primarily through dust suppression sprays and water carts. Sediment fences are installed where required to filter sediment from drainage / seepage. Sediment is controlled by a series of dams and water treatment facilities at both sites. Water discharged is monitored for suspended solids.

Areas that have the potential to be contaminated by the surface operations at the Appin West Pit Top are contained within the catchment of the Surface Water Dams which are designed to capture and treat a 1:10 year, 72 hour rainfall event. The Surface Water Dam contains a spillway designed for a 1:1000 year rainfall event to maintain the engineering integrity of the structure and reduce the risk of erosion and sediment release. Prior to the release of surface water from the Surface Water Dam (via LDP 23), water passes through a filter unit which is designed to remove suspended solids, oil and grease.

The potential for erosion at the emplacement area is managed in accordance with the West Cliff (Appin North) Coal Wash Emplacement Area Management Plan. The following activities are undertaken to minimise the likelihood of erosion within the emplacement area:

Compaction of emplaced material;

Profiling of finished areas to designed gradients; and

Revegetation of emplaced area.

Sediment is controlled by a series of sedimentation ponds, which have a combined capacity in excess of 200 ML. Treatment of the water is undertaken at a number of locations across the site prior to release to BCD to meet compliance with EPL limits.

The water management system is regularly inspected by the site environmental representative to ensure the system is operating as efficiently as possible.

Environmental Performance Routine water quality monitoring of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) across the BSO has not identified any issues associated with erosion and sedimentation. The Appin East (Central) and West and West Cliff (Appin North) sites are operating within the licence limits for TSS.

6.3. SURFACE WATER

Environmental Management Surface water management across the BSOP is undertaken in accordance with EPL 2504 and the approved BSO Surface Water Management Plan. The Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) details the control measures, compliance procedures, monitoring programs, evaluation protocols, notification and communication processes for surface water management for the BSO. This plan has been prepared to satisfy Schedule 4, Condition 16 of the BSO approval.

The objectives of the SWMP are to:

Provide a water balance for the project including sources, usage and discharge quality;

Outline the process to reduce the impacts on biota from the Brennans Creek dam discharge;

Establish responsibilities for the surface water management at the BSO operations;


Comply with all relevant regulatory requirements, Environmental Protection Licence 2504 and South32 policies and standards for water management;

Describe the water management systems including measures to comply with discharge limits and minimise potable water usage;

Outline the framework for water monitoring, auditing and reporting; and

Specify investigation and communication processes in response to water related issues and complaints.

For specific surface water management strategies and controls, please refer to the SWMP found at:


Environmental Performance Results of the surface water monitoring are reported online every 14 days as per the requirements of Section 66 (6) of the POEO Act and Schedule 6, Condition 11 of the BSO Project Approval; and on an annual basis to the OEH via the EPA Annual Return (Appendix B – 2015/16 EPA Annual Return). The online report is accessible via the following link:


A summary of results from the BSO monitoring program is included in the following sections.

Water Quality All but three of the eleven monitoring sites across the BSO achieved compliance with the EPL2504 limits during the reporting period (refer to Table 11). Sites where an exceedance of the EPL has occurred are discussed in more detail below.

Table 11: Summary of Compliance with EPL Water Quality Limits Across BSO Monitoring Site EPL Compliant (Y/N) Comments

Point 4 No

Oil and Grease sample result was above the EPL 100 percentile limit. The

exact cause of the elevated level is unknown, though potentially due to

contamination of the sampling bottle or cross-contamination at the Laboratory.

Point 10 Yes ---

Point 11 Yes ---

Point 12 Yes ---

Point 18 Yes ---

Point 19 Yes ---

Point 20 Yes ---

Point 22 No

Oil and Grease sample result above the EPL 100 Percentile limit. There was a

problem with sewage treatment sludge between 14 August and 27 August,

although no oil and grease was visible. Subsequent samples in Sept were

below the licence limit.

Point 23 Yes ---

Point 24 No Oil and Grease sample result over the EPL 100 Percentile limit. The exact

cause of the elevated level is unknown, though potentially due to contamination




of the sampling bottle or cross-contamination at the Laboratory.

Point 36 Yes -

Water Discharge There have been no instances where discharge volume exceeded the EPL limits for discharge (see Table 12).

Table 12: Summary of Compliance with EPL Discharge Volume Limits Across BSO Monitoring Site EPL Compliant (Y/N) Comments

Point 4 Yes ---

Point 10 Yes ---

Point 13 Yes ---

Point 18 Yes ---

Point 19 Yes ---

Point 20 Yes ---

Point 22 Yes ---

Point 24 Yes ---

Ecotoxicity In accordance with EPL 2504 Condition M2.4, Illawarra Coal conducted acute and chronic (sub-lethal) toxicity testing of the discharges from Point 10. The program commenced in June 2013. A summary of the results from the four FY16 sampling events is provided in Table 13.

Table 13: Summary of Ecotox Monitoring at Point 10

Test and Spp

Mine Water Concentration where there was No Observable Impact (NOEC) over a Full or Partial Life Cycle.

Jul-15 Oct-15 Jan-16 Apr-16

Partial life-cycle toxicity test using the freshwater cladoceran

Ceriodaphnia dubia 25% 50% 100% 100%

48hr Acute Toxicity Test using the freshwater cladoceran

Ceriodaphnia dubia 100% 100% 100% 100%

10 day Acute Survival Test using the freshwater shrimp

Paratya australiensis 50% 50% 100% 100%

96 hour fish imbalance test - Melanotaenia duboulayi 100% 100% 100% 50%

7-day Growth Inhibition of the freshwater aquatic duckweed

Lemna disperma

12.1% 6.1% 96.8% 48.4%

72-hour microalgal growth inhibition test - Selenastrum

capricornutum (green alga)

<6.3% 25% <6.3% 6.3%


Pollution Reduction Programs PRP19

PRP 19 (condition U2.1) aims to protect and / or restore the environmental values of the receiving waters affected by the discharge of waters from Brennans Creek Dam (BCD) into the Georges River. Stage 1 of the project was completed in December 2012 and involved the transfer of mine water from underground directly to the West Cliff (Appin North) Washery to be used as process water. Stage 2 of the project involves carrying out a program of works to achieve specified discharge water quality. Stage 2 requires the licensee to provide six monthly progress reports (30 June and 30 December) until the completion of the project. Progress as at the end of the reporting period is as follows:

Commenced coagulant/flocculant trial to reduce aluminium concentrations within the treatment ponds, Brennans Creek Dam and discharge waters.

Commenced expansion of Appin West Water Filtration Plant to increase storage capacity and processing capacity of mine water.

Modification of the West Cliff (Appin North) Washery water management system to create a ‘semi closed loop’ to reduce diversion of washery waters into BCD.

Regular meetings with the community and environmental groups and the EPA to discuss monitoring results and plan suitable options to address the requirements of PRP19.

Completion of year 1 & 2 base-line aquatic health monitoring (PRP20).

Six monthly progress reports have been submitted to the EPA as per the requirements of the PRP.

PRP20

A study was developed to meet the aquatic health monitoring requirements of EPL2504 Condition U3 - PRP 20 Aquatic Health Monitoring Plan (see below).

1) Prepare Aquatic Health Monitoring Program Plan

The licensee must provide an aquatic health monitoring program plan to the EPA for review and approval. The program must require the monitoring and assessment of the aquatic health of Brennans Creek and the Upper Georges River between 1 September and 30 November (monitoring period) in the years 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019.

The monitoring program must include, but is not limited to, chemical analysis and in-stream biota assessment, including representative macroinvertebrate, algal and vertebrate species. The monitoring program must be carried out at five or more locations including discharge point 10, discharge point 11, discharge point 12 and the Upper Georges River to the confluence with O’Hares Creek.

The aim of the study is to monitor the changes to biota in-stream and within the sediment within the Upper Georges River as Water Projects required by PRP 19 are commissioned.

The aim will be achieved by:

Comparing the Brennans Ck/Georges River site with reference sites

Estimate changes over time in the composition and abundance of in-stream and sediment biota; and

Assessing the downstream gradient changes in composition and abundance of in-stream and sediment biota


We predict that the abundance and composition of aquatic biota will become more similar to the reference sites as Water Projects required by PRP 19 are commissioned.

The Program includes the following:

Quantitative sampling of macroinvertebrates

Ecological assessment processes using DNA extracted from sediment samples;

In-stream water quality testing; and

Laboratory water testing.

The study area is located within the Upper Georges River Catchment, commencing at the headwaters of the Georges River and runs to the confluence with O’Hares Creek. Several sites are located in pool habitats downstream of Licence discharge point 10. Three reference sites are also sampled (upstream Georges River).

The first years (Year 1 baseline) monitoring was completed in November 2013. The latest round of monitoring (Year 2 baseline) was completed spring 2015. The results were submitted to the EPA in April 2016 as required. The reports are available on the South32 regulatory webpage http://www.south32.net/our-operations/australia/illawarra-coal/regulatory-document.

IC holds regular meetings with the EPA, community and environmental groups to discuss monitoring results from PRP20 and to plan suitable options to address the requirements of PRP19. Since the establishment of these meetings, a number of improvements have been made to the PRP20 monitoring programs and IC has incorporated feedback from the Group into the various PRP19 projects. The next meeting is planned for September 2016 to discuss environmental flows and water quality limits.

The next round of monitoring for PRP20 will occur in spring 2016.

6.4. GROUNDWATER

No groundwater pollution issues were associated with the BSOP during this reporting period.

At West Cliff (Appin North), water make resulting from strata water inflow is collected in pits and low points in the underground workings where it is mixed with water delivered underground from surface storage. This strata water is brought to the surface either as moisture contained within the coal or as surplus underground water which is pumped to the surface. Once on the surface, the water is piped to the concrete settling tanks where it is used as the main supply for the WCCPP. There were no incidents of ground water pollution within the report period.

At Appin, mine water is pumped from the underground working to the surface for treatment in the Appin West WTP from where it is either fed back underground for use or blended with mine water and discharged via LDP24.

6.5. CONTAMINATED POLLUTED LAND

Environmental Management Appin

During the 2010/11 reporting period, Illawarra Coal investigated a small area of the Appin East (Central) site that had formerly been used as a fuel dispensing station which comprised two bowsers, a bunded above ground diesel tank, and a bunded refuelling pad. The decommissioned fuelling area was being excavated for the purpose of road construction to upgrade coal loading facilities at the site.




Preliminary investigations found the decommissioned fuelling area contained elevated concentrations of TPH C10-C36. In response to this finding, Illawarra Coal endeavoured to remove the majority of contaminated material from the decommissioned fuelling area to reduce environmental and health risks and ensure the site is suitable for continued industrial land use.

During the excavation and grading works, three previously unknown underground diesel storage tank pits (including a total of four UST’s) were discovered. Leakage of diesel was evident in all three UST pits, so after the tanks were removed from site, 0.5-1.0m of soil was excavated from the walls and floor of each tank pit excavation.

Validation sampling of the floor of the excavated area continued to show elevated concentrations of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons but concentrations of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon compounds were below the NEPC (1999) guidelines for human health. The consultant’s validation report indicated that the land remaining in the investigation area and around the UST excavations is suitable for continued industrial land use based on application of the NEPC (1999) guidelines and that the remaining in-situ contamination is not perceived to compromise the ongoing use of the site for industrial purposes. A quarterly monitoring program was established in 2011, with sampling conducted at four locations – T1, P1, P2 and P3. T1 is used to monitor for potential contamination from the old Appin Tip which is located upstream of the site (Figure 7).

Figure 7: Groundwater Monitoring Bores locations at Appin East (Central).

West Cliff (Appin North)

During the 2009/10 reporting period, both West Cliff (Appin North) Colliery and West Cliff (Appin North) CPP underwent ‘Preliminary Contamination Assessments’ were undertaken to review site activities and history, a site inspection to look for indicators of contamination followed by a Risk Assessment conducted with relevant site staff.


The site inspection identified a small groundwater seep which was discharging into one of the site dirty water catchment ponds (i.e. Pond P3). The lab analysis of the seep confirmed that the seep contained traces of hydrocarbons and therefore triggered the reporting requirements under Section 60 of the Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 (CLM Act).

As part of the notification, Illawarra Coal proposed to undertake a Comprehensive Contamination Assessment to determine the level and extent of contamination (both groundwater and soil) prior to determining an appropriate management strategy. This approach was endorsed by DECCW (now EPA) on the 11th May 2010.

The Comprehensive Contamination Site Assessment was completed by an environmental consultant during the 2010/11 reporting period. The assessment involved drilling of nine boreholes (BH1 to BH9), screening of 39 soil samples and laboratory analysis of 15 soil samples. Two groundwater bores (BH8 and BH9) were also installed as part of the investigation.

The analysis of the results suggested that the majority of the investigation area appeared to be free of contamination with only four of the samples indicating relatively low levels of contamination, three of which were located within 2.5 metres of a recently decommissioned and removed UPSS. The concentrations were relatively low in the context of an industrial site and analysis indicates the concentrations were likely to be well below NEPM health investigation guidelines for the industrial land use. In addition, a preliminary assessment of the soils waste classification suggested that the soil is likely to be classified as general solid waste. Ongoing monitoring of BH8 has been carried out during the reporting period.

Environmental Performance Appin

Since the first round of monitoring, all samples across all sites have been uncontaminated with respect to BTEX and TPH.

During the reporting period all boreholes showed below or close to lowest observable limit for TPH (50 µg/L). The small rise in TPH observed at T1 in Jan 2016 is not attributed to site – T1 is used to monitor for potential contamination from the old Appin Tip which is located upstream of the site. The result was below observable limit for the most recent sample.

Figure 8: Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (C10 – C36 Fraction (Sum)) since monitoring began in 2012 at Appin East

(Central).



During the reporting period, all samples from BH8 were uncontaminated with respect to BTEX and TPH.

Since the first sampling campaign, TPH concentrations had generally trended downwards in BH8. TPH concentrations had ranged between 2050 µg/L in Feb 2012 down to 260 µg/L in August 2012. The carbon chain range for BH8 are between C10 – C28 indicating that diesel is a potential source of contamination at this location. This is consistent with data reported in the validation report which was submitted to the EPA in August 2010 which indicated there was a small hot spot of contamination remaining.

During the reporting period TPH was below the observable limit.

Figure 9: Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (C10 – C36 Fraction (Sum) µg/L) since monitoring began in 2012 in BH8 at

West Cliff (Appin North).

6.6. WASTE

General Waste General waste is segregated on all sites to maximise reuse and recycling opportunities in accordance with the BSO Waste Management Plan. The waste streams applicable to the BSO are specified in the table below.

Table 14: The main waste streams for the BSO. Waste Stream Treatment

Timber Recycled off site

Cardboard and paper Recycled off site

Printer Cartridges Recycled off site

Oil Recycled off site

Oily waters Recycled or disposed off-site

Steel and Scrap Metal Recycled off site

Sewage effluent (treated)

West Cliff (Appin North) – Treatment and irrigation on site.

Appin West – Treatment and irrigation onsite

Appin East (Central) – Disposed via town sewerage system

Industrial filters Off-site treatment and disposal

Bathhouse water

West Cliff (Appin North) - Spray irrigated to land on site

Appin West - Spray irrigated to land on site

Appin East (Central) – Transported to licensed sewage treatment facility

for first part of reporting period. Connected to town sewerage system for


later part of reporting period.

Particulate filter Off-site treatment and disposal

Hazardous waste Off-site treatment and disposal

General Waste Landfill

Solid waste volumes generated at the BSO (including the Appin West, Appin East (Central) and West Cliff (Appin North) sites) for the reporting period are provided in Table 15.

Table 15: Waste Volumes – BSO

General Waste Industrial

Waste (Filters) Timber Metal Cardboard Commingle

Quantity (Tonnes) FY15 1146 381 234 1349 30 17

Quantity (Tonnes) FY16 1323 380 225 1344 20 17

Approximately 11% more waste was disposed as landfill for the reporting period when compared to the previous financial year.

Coal Wash Coal wash is a by-product of processing ROM coal. During the reporting period, a total of 1.6 million tonnes of coal wash (includes Dendrobium, Appin and West Cliff (Appin North)) was emplaced at the West Cliff (Appin North) Emplacement Area. Illawarra Coal received approval to expand the West Cliff (Appin North) Emplacement Area (i.e. Stage 3) from the DoP on the 20 December 2007. The Stage 3 Emplacement Area provides an additional 33.5 million tonnes of coal wash emplacement (refer to table below) with an expected emplacement life of 10 to 15 years (based on projected coal wash volumes).

Illawarra Coal received approval for Stage 4 of the West Cliff (Appin North) Emplacement Area on the 22nd December 2011. The Stage 4 Emplacement Area will provide an additional 59.4 million tonnes of coal wash emplacement (refer to table below) with an expected life to 2041.

Table 16 outlines the capacity and status of each of the West Cliff (Appin North) coal wash emplacement areas.

Table 16: West Cliff (Appin North) Emplacement Area – Capacity and Status. Emplacement Stage Estimated Capacity Emplacement Status

1 4.6 Complete

2 20.8 Current

3 33.5 Current

4 59.4 Not Yet Commenced

Coal Wash Research During FY16, Illawarra Coal diverted just under 1Mt of coal wash for beneficial uses in the local region (i.e. as an engineered fill, and for the development of arterial and agricultural roads), with over 2Mt diverted since 2009. Illawarra Coal continues to research, develop and implement alternative uses for coal wash and hence minimise the volume emplaced at the West Cliff (Appin North) site.

Illawarra Coal is a member of ‘Sustainability Advantage’, a business support service. One of the projects from the ‘Sustainability Advantage’ is a road base mixture which utilises coal wash with other recycled


materials such as fly ash to produce a material suitable for a variety of applications. In 2014 this project was awarded a Green Globe from the NSW Government in recognition of its success in sustainable Innovation.

In late 2014 the RMS published a specification of this material based on the success in trials of this product, and local councils have undertaken trials of this product in their respective areas. Wollongong Council is now actively using this product in a new residential development, and the RMS are looking to use this product as part of major infrastructure projects in the local area.

Following on from the success of these trials, Illawarra Coal has aligned itself with three universities (University of Wollongong, University of Sydney and University of Newcastle) and 4 other industry partners (RMS, Douglas Partners, Infratech and Stabilco) and has been successful in securing an ARC-Linkage Project grant of $590k to conduct research into the long term performance of this material in roads and railways. The project will kick off in FY17, and will take 3 years to complete.

Other sustainable projects that look to incorporate coal wash which have yielded positive results also include cement making and brick making.

Underground Coal Wash Emplacement

Illawarra Coal submitted a revised Underground Coal Wash Emplacement Trial to the Department in 2013. The revised Plan proposed to defer the trial for 5 years for the following reasons:

Illawarra Coal’s focus on diverting material from surface emplacement via alternative beneficial uses continues to provide good outcomes;

The declaration of Dharawal National Park has eliminated a significant area of potentially suitable roadways for underground coalwash emplacement; and

The trial replicates what has been demonstrated by another Southern District Colliery.

The key aspects of the Plan remained valid during the reporting period and detailed reports and presentations will be made available at the completion of major research milestones.

Sewage During the reporting period, ongoing monitoring and inspections were conducted on the two BSO sewage treatment plants (Appin West and West Cliff (Appin North)). Appin East (Central) is connected to town sewage.

There is a Smith and Loveless Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) on the Appin West and West Cliff (Appin North) sites that discharge into maturation ponds. The treated effluent is irrigated on site via LDP 22 (Appin West) and LDP 4 (West Cliff (Appin North)). During FY16 the treatment capacity of the Appin West system was increased (additional aeration installed) to cater for increased manning at Appin West. A waste water maintenance contractor is periodically used to assist with the operational aspects of the Appin and West Cliff (Appin North) Sewerage treatment systems to minimise the likelihood of any issues occurring.

Monitoring of the STP effluent at both sites is undertaken on a monthly basis in accordance with conditions contained with EPL 2504. Results of the monitoring are reported on an annual basis to the EPA via the EPA Annual Return and are made available to the public via the web based environmental monitoring report which is issued every 14 days.

Appin WAC Disposal Weak Acid Cation Regenerate (WAC), a waste stream from the Appin water treatment plant, is transported offsite to a licensed Waste Management Facility. The total volume of WAC transported off-site during the reporting period was 3.6 ML, a decrease of 0.5 ML when compared to the previous reporting period.


Appin Water Treatment Plant Biological Sludge The Appin backwash treatment plant was commissioned in April 2009. One of the by-products of the Backwash Treatment process is an organic sludge. The total weight of sludge reused as a soil conditioner offsite at the Emplacement Operations during the reporting period was approximately 360 tonnes.

6.7. THREATENED FLORA AND FAUNA

Environmental Management Threatened Flora and Fauna communities at the BSO are managed in accordance with the following approved plans:

West Cliff (Appin North) Coal Wash Emplacement Area Management Plan;

Broad-headed Snake Management Plan;

Southern Brown Bandicoot Management Plan;

Persoonia hirsuta Offset Management Plan;

Ventilation Shaft No.6 Biodiversity Management Plan;

Sandstone Shale Transition Forest Offset Management Plan; and

Surface and Groundwater Quality Monitoring and Adaptive Management Plan for Water Sensitive EPBC Listed Species.

These plans include the management and mitigation measures for threatened species or habitats that occur on our sites and are available on the South 32 website:


The Persoonia hirsuta is listed as Endangered under both the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act and Commonwealth EPBC. A substantial population of the Persoonia hirsuta is known to exist on the West Cliff (Appin North) Colliery Lease. A number of the Persoonia hirsuta are located within operational areas such as high voltage transmission lines on site.

Acacia bynoeana is listed as Threatened under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act and Vulnerable under the Commonwealth EPBC. The species has previously been recorded along existing roads, tracks and disturbed areas at West Cliff (Appin North).

Pultenaea aristata is listed as Vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act and the Commonwealth EPBC. The species has been recorded in areas of impeded drainage in woodland adjoining the main access road and in the vicinity of the southern extent of Stage 3 Emplacement Area. 41 P. aristata have been identified within the rehabilitating emplacement area (See Appendix A: Annual Rehabilitation Report).

Flora and Fauna aspects associated with mine subsidence are detailed in section 6.15.

Environmental Performance Broad-headed Snake and Southern Brown Bandicoot There has been one instance that required the implementation of mitigation measures for Broad-headed Snakes (as outlined in the approved management plan). On the 5th April, 2016, an individual Broad-headed Snake was located during a pre-clearing inspection in the Stage 3 emplacement area.

The snake was approximately 40 cm long and showed no signs of injury, parasites or other ill-health. The Snake was captured and relocated in accordance with the Broad-headed Snake Management Plan.



Figure 10: Female Broad-headed Snake captured and relocated during a pre-clearing survey in April 2016.

There were no instances that required implementation of mitigation measures for the Southern Brown Bandicoot.

Persoonia hirsuta Offset Monitoring Overview

During the reporting period, Illawarra Coal conducted its third round of annual condition monitoring of the Persoonia hirsuta population at West Cliff (Appin North). The monitoring was undertaken in accordance with the approved P. hirsuta Offset Management Plan, which complies with EPBC Approval Condition 2. The monitoring was completed over five days in November and December 2015 during the peak flowering period for the species.

Results

Offset Population

The total count of live plants in spring 2015 was 29; 24 plants have died since baseline (2012); 1 new plant was identified in 2015.

West Cliff (Appin North) Other Areas

A further 32 individuals are being monitored within the surrounding West Cliff (Appin North) lease, 10 of which were recorded in 2012; five in 2013, 13 in 2014 and four in 2015. This includes one plant in the Stage 2 emplacement rehabilitation (Identified in 2014), another within the future Stage 4 boundary, 13 plants on the Brennans Creek Dam access road (and in bushland to the north), and 17 along the south-west boundary of the Appin Road easement.

Total Site Count

The total count for P.hirsuta plants at West Cliff (Appin North) in spring 2015 was 61, including 22 plants that have been identified post baseline. Excluding these, there has been a decrease of 24 plants when compared to the 2012 baseline population of 63.

Little has changed since previous monitoring years. The Offset still maintains at a good capacity to regenerate, a high level of native plant species richness, a low level of exotic plant cover and all structural layers are intact (canopy, mid-storey, shrubs and ground-cover).

Overall, the vegetation remains in good condition. The overall health of the core population of P. hirsuta is declining as the plants are reaching the end of their natural lifecycle.


Persoonia hirsuta Research In accordance with EPBC 2010/5350 Condition 3, Illawarra Coal is undertaking targeted research on including:

Habitat and demography

Population genetics;

Seed biology, germination and recruitment and propagation, and

pollination

The program commenced in 2013; the University of Wollongong (UOW) and Mt Annan Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG) have been engaged to conduct the research. The ‘targeted’ research by UOW consists of a series of honours projects.

Mt Annan RBG is undertaking trial propagation using cuttings collected from the Appin North population and this is an ongoing project. To date, one P. hirsuta has been successfully propagated.

In addition, Mt Annan RBG (in collaboration with Illawarra Coal and Centennial Coal) has been granted ACARP funding to conduct research on seed germination biology and alternative ex situ storage of Persoonia germplasm for restoration. This commenced in February 2015 and will address two main questions: 1) how to effectively propagate Persoonia species (both rare and common) for mine rehabilitation work; and, 2) what are the most appropriate ex situ conservation options to ensure restoration success.

The research will be completed in 2017, at which time Illawarra Coal will compile the research and make available to the various stakeholders and our website in accordance with Condition 3 (e) & (f).

Persoonia Ecological Burn

In April 2016, IC engaged the NSW Rural Fire Service to conduct an ecological burn in the West Cliff (Appin North) Persoonia Offset. The aim of the burn is to promote germination of P. hirsuta and increase the density of the species within the area. It is known that fruits of Persoonia maintain seeds in a dormant state, which is hard to break artificially and is not well, understood (Myerscough et al. 2000). The general consensus is that the species requires physiological disturbance to break dormancy. The exact germination mechanisms are not yet known; however, it is suspected the combination of heat and smoke from a fire would be a trigger (Auld and Ooi 2008). This is generally supported by observations from other known populations that have been subject to wildfire in the past two years (Alison Haynes Thesis 2015; David Gregory Pers. Obs.), and other Persoonia species and Proteaceae in general. The Offset has not experienced a fire for at least 25 years.

The burn site will be monitored over the coming year to identify new seedlings.

Figure 11: Persoonia ecological burn – April 2016.


6.8. WEEDS

Environmental Management and Performance Appin

Environmental inspections (which include weed identification) are undertaken at the Appin East (Central) and Appin West sites. When noxious weeds are identified they are removed and treated as per the approved Waste Management Plan. Maps outlining the weed growth areas are provided to the grounds maintenance personnel to assist with identifying the target locations. During the reporting period active weed management included:

Regular spaying of weed zones by licensed contractors;

Regular audits of the effectiveness of weed management activities


Ongoing grounds maintenance is undertaken by a contractor who has a regular schedule of work. The annual emplacement rehabilitation monitoring program includes the identification and proposed management strategies to control weed growth within the emplacement areas. Focus areas for weed control are determined through this program. Records of areas targeted are maintained for future reference. Targeted weed control within the emplacement area was undertaken by a licenced contractor during the year which included weed spraying and slashing of perennial grasses.

6.9. BLASTING

No surface blasting activities are undertaken on site. Minor blasting activities underground are undertaken using approved management plans.

6.10. OPERATIONAL NOISE

Environmental Management Noise across the BSOP is managed in accordance with the approved BSO Noise Management Plan. The Plan was prepared to satisfy Schedule 4, Condition 5 of the BSO approval and details the relevant noise criteria, compliance procedures and controls relating to the mining operations.

The objectives of this plan are to:

Provide the frame work for the responsible management of noise emissions associated with the project;

Describe the control measures for management of noise emissions;

Prevent adverse noise impacts on the amenity of local communities and environment;

Describe compliance criteria for noise for the project;

Describe compliance criteria exceedance assessment protocols;

Describe the noise monitoring program;

Comply with the relevant requirements of Environment Protection Licence (EPL) No. 2504 and the BSO Project approval;

Describe measures for the reduction of noise emissions; and


Comply with South32 and other relevant standards and requirements.

A copy of the Plan is available on the South32 website:


Monitoring Program A noise monitoring program has been developed to comply with Condition 5(f) of Schedule 4 of the Project Approval.

The objectives of the noise monitoring program are to:

Measure noise levels experienced by nearby residential receivers;

Assess the effectiveness of the existing noise controls;

Measure project related noise levels;

Detect any adverse developments in Project noise;

Measure Residential Background Level (RBL) noise; and

Acquire sufficient and reliable data to inform the assessment of compliance with noise criteria

Assessment criteria have been established for each monitoring location, as outlined in Table 17. The criteria enable an assessment of compliance to be made against the noise levels outlined in the Project Approval. The site specific assessment criteria were developed using the following methodology:

Adoption of the most stringent noise levels as outlined in the Development Consent noise criteria; and

Where relevant, the noise levels were adjusted (to take into account monitoring location verse receivers) using the noise contours from the BSO Noise Impact Assessment.

Table 17: Noise Survey Points.

Survey Point ID

Type Receivers Assessment Criteria

Locality Function LAeq (15 min) LA1 (1 min)

AE-NS4

Real-time

and

attended

Appin township

43

(day,

evening

and night)

52

(night)

Located in paddock

between Illawarra and

Toggarai St North of Pit

Top behind receiver 137

Noise from AE

AE-NS5 Attended Appin No.1 and

No.2 receivers

40

(day,

evening

and night)

50

(night)

Northampton Dale Road

between the No.2 Shaft

Site and power plant project

and the nearest residential

receivers in the South to

East quadrant from site.

Noise levels between

Shaft Site and the

nearest residential

receivers to the SE

AW-NS5

Real-time

and

attended

All other Appin

West receivers

39

(day and

evening)

53

(night)

Between nearest residential

receivers on Douglas Park

Drive and the Appin West

Pit Top

Noise level at AW

property boundary;

Noise levels between

AW and nearest



Table 17: Noise Survey Points. 35

(night)

residential receivers on

Douglas Park Drive

AW-NS4 Attended

Appin West

receivers South-

west of Appin

West; and

Appin West

receivers near

Hume Highway

39

(day and

evening)

35

(night)

49

(night)

Ashwood Road, South-

west of Appin West Pit Top

Noise level for Appin

West Receivers

South-west of Appin

West; and

Appin West Receivers

near Hume Highway

AW-NS3 Attended Appin No.3

receivers

41

(day,

evening

and night)

49

(night)

Appin No.3 Shaft site at

end of Brookes Pt Road

Noise level at Brookes

Pt Road and nearest

residential receivers to

the East of the shaft

site

W-NS1 Attended

N/A – Baseline

data for West Cliff

(Appin North) only

N/A N/A West Cliff (Appin North)

Brennans Creek Dam

Noise level between

the West Cliff (Appin

North) emplacement

area and the nearest

residential receivers to

the North of site

The program consists of continuous, real-time noise monitoring and attended monitoring using handheld portable monitors. The attended monitoring is undertaken at the nominated monitoring locations to confirm compliance.

Environmental Performance Quarterly attended and real-time monitoring was conducted in accordance with the approved management plan for the reporting period. Results of the monitoring are reported online. The online report is accessible via the following link:


The assessed noise levels generated from the Bulli Seam Operations were below the Day, Evening and Night assessment criteria in Table 17.

During the reporting period, a noise wall was constructed at the Vent Shaft No.6 site. The wall is constructed of coal wash and has been topsoiled and vegetated.

6.11. VISUAL, STRAY LIGHT

The Appin West Mine Site is not directly visible by residential receivers. Lighting located on the Man and Materials Winder is partially visible by some residences at Wilton, but has not been raised by the community as an issue.

At Appin East (Central), operations are not directly visible by residential receivers. Lighting located at the top of the coal storage bins is partially visible by some residences but has not been raised by the community as an issue.



Due to the relatively remote locality of West Cliff (Appin North) Colliery there are no significant issues in regard to lighting pollution.

There were no lighting impacts from the construction activities undertaken during the reporting period.

Emissions of stray light continued to be assessed quarterly in conjunction with other monitoring outside of daylight hours.

Aesthetics of Mine Safety Gas Drainage activities are addressed by:

Shielding wells from residences as practicable. This included utilising natural topography and vegetation to screen operations and optimising the position of pad infrastructure;

Where possible infrastructure is green coloured, or housed in a green coloured compound;

Green coloured noise barriers are installed at the perimeter of sites within sight of residences; and

Revegetation of exposed areas as soon as practicable.

To minimise the visual disturbance from the Vent Shaft No.6 site, exposed areas are revegetated progressively as final landform is achieved. The most significant feature is the earthen noise barrier that is was constructed using coal wash. This site has been revegetated.

6.12. ABORIGINAL HERITAGE AND NATURAL HERITAGE

Aboriginal and natural heritage at West Cliff (Appin North) is managed in accordance with the approved West Cliff (Appin North) Coal Wash Emplacement Area Management Plan. This Plan outlines the management/mitigation measures relating specifically to each heritage site located within or in close proximity to the West Cliff (Appin North) Coal Wash Emplacement. A copy of the Plan is available at


During the reporting period, Site BC2 was buried by the emplacement operations. Prior to burial, the following management actions were completed:

1. Detailed recording – including scale photographic recording of the art and the sandstone overhang (art recoding will be undertaken using methods that do not involve touching the art surface).

2. Facilitating the agreed Aboriginal Community Enhancement Program with the Tharawal LALC which included funding for: 3D imaging and recording of the landscape; research and sponsorship; and training and employment.

3. Excavation – The archaeological deposits at BC2 have been entirely salvage excavated as per the Preliminary Research Permit #2908.

4. Protection of site using geo-textile and clean sand fill prior to emplacement

The equipment and labour to prepare and backfill the shelter was provided by South Coast Equipment (SCE) together with a representative from the Cubbitch Barta Native Title Claimants Aboriginal Corporate who was invited by the Company to supervise the work. The procedure to encapsulate the sites commenced when the level of coalwash in the Emplacement Area reached the shelter floor. The work proceeded, as follows:

1. A high coalwash embankment is formed in front of the shelter.

2. The floor, walls and roof of the shelter and the inside face of the embankment are lined with geofabric sheeting.



3. Layers of sand are progressively placed in the lined shelter and consolidated to ensure the void is completely filled.

4. This procedure continues until the sand fill reaches the top of the shelter outcrop.

5. At the top of the shelter outcrop the geofabric sheeting is wrapped over to entirely encapsulate the sand fill. Dig Alert Tape is laid over the shelter to mark the location.

6. When sand filling is complete coalwash deposition can proceed to cover the shelter. Coalwash placed over the shelter is carefully compacted up to 1m above the shelter outcrop.

7. A permanent marker is installed above the shelter when the Emplacement reaches the finished level.

8. The location of the sites is recorded on Mine Plans.

The location of all heritage sites at West Cliff (Appin North) is outlined in Plan 13.

Aboriginal and natural heritage aspects associated with subsidence from the underground mining activities are detailed in section 6.15 of this report.

6.13. SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION

No incidence of spontaneous combustion occurred within this reporting period.

Bulli seam coal has a very low propensity to spontaneous combustion. Sampling programs (at Appin and West Cliff (Appin North)) are in place to detect any changes in coal quality that could potentially lead to spontaneous combustion occurring in coal stockpiles or refuse emplacements.

Routine and Statutory Inspections are used to identify any heating or spontaneous combustion events. In addition, a real time CO monitoring system exits, and all mine officials carry CO handheld monitors.

6.14. BUSHFIRE

The risk of bushfire at Appin West, Appin East (Central) and West Cliff (Appin North) is managed by a combination of preventative and ready response activities. Bushfire management on both sites is achieved through the formation of a “fire break” around the site perimeters fence-line and the establishment of an extensive firefighting water pipeline around the sites (with booster pump facilities).

Appropriate site personnel are trained in emergency response and firefighting and have a large supply of readily available firefighting equipment on the sites.

6.15. MINE SUBSIDENCE

Approvals Appin Area 7 Longwalls 705 – 710

The Subsidence Management Plan (SMP) for Appin Area 7 Longwalls 705 to 710 was approved by the Department of Trade, Investment, Regional Infrastructure and Services (DTIRIS), now the Department of Industry: Resources and Energy (DRE) on the 28th February 2012 (for Longwalls 705 and 706) and 28th of September 2012 (for Longwalls 707 to 710). The Longwalls 705 to 710 SMP is supported by a number of management plans addressing social, cultural, environmental and infrastructure aspects of the mining area.

Illawarra Coal applied to the DRE to vary the SMP Approval for Longwalls 707 to 710 on the 5th May 2016 to split Longwalls 707 and 708 into Longwall 707 A&B and Longwall 708 A&B. DRE approved the variation on the 9th July 2016.


During the reporting period, Appin Mine continued extracting coal from Longwalls 706 and 707. As of 30th June 2016, Longwall 707 had extracted 855m, with 2472m remaining.

Appin Area 9 Longwalls 901 - 904

The Extraction Plan (EP) for Appin Area 9 Longwalls 901 - 904 was approved by the DPE on the 10th of September 2014. The Longwalls 901 – 904 EP is supported by a number of management plans addressing social, cultural, environmental and infrastructure aspects of the mining area.

Illawarra Coal applied to the DPE to vary the EP Approval for Longwalls 901 - 904 on the 24th of March 2015 to shorten the commencing end of Longwall 901 by 418m. DRE approved the variation on the 29th of April 2015.

Illawarra Coal applied to the DPE to vary the EP Approval for Longwalls 901 - 904 on the 24th of March 2015 to shorten the commencing end of Longwall 901 by 418m. DRE approved the variation on the 29th of April 2015.

Longwall 901 commenced extraction on the 23rd of January 2016 and as of the 25th of June 2016 had extracted 868m, with 1153m remaining.

West Cliff (Appin North) Area 5 Longwalls 37 – 38

The West Cliff (Appin North) Area 5 Extraction Plan (EP) for Longwalls 37 and 38 was approved by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure - DoPI (now the Department of Planning and Environment – DPE) on the 24th March 2014. SMP approval was granted by the Department of Trade and Investment (T&I) on 28th March 2014. The EP is supported by a number of management plans addressing cultural, environmental and infrastructure aspects of the mining area.

A variation to reduce the length of Longwall 37 by 223m at the commencing end was approved on the 6th June 2014 (by DoPI and T&I). Illawarra Coal applied to the DPE to vary the SMP Approval for Longwall 38 on the 1st of September 2014, to reduce the length of the longwall by 59m at the commencing end. DPE approved the variation on the 14th October 2014.

Longwall 38 commenced extraction on the 3rd of February 2015 and was completed on the 1st of February 2016.

Appin Area 7 and 9 Monitoring and Management Programs The surface features in the vicinity of mining during the reporting period include:

The Nepean River and associated tributaries;

Harris Creek and associated tributaries;

Cliffs, rocky outcrops and steep slopes;

Aboriginal and European heritage; and

Buildings and infrastructure.

Monitoring activities within the SMP area includes:

Water flow, pool water levels and water quality monitoring;

Photographic and observational monitoring to identify mining-induced fractures, strata gas releases, iron staining and rock falls;

Aquatic ecology monitoring;


Aboriginal and European heritage items; and

Built features.

The results of these monitoring programs are provided below.

Landscape Features

During the reporting period monitoring of environmental features was carried out in accordance with the Appin Longwall 705 to 710 SMP and Longwall 901 to 904 EP. Monitoring was conducted within the zone of influence during baseline, mining and post-mining periods (where applicable).

One zone of gas release, AA7_LW706_001, was activated during the extraction of Longwall 706. It was first observed on the 13th of August 2014 and consisted of four releases in two 2m x 1m areas. When initially observed it was located approximately 3800m south-west of the nearest point of Longwall 706. Due to this distance it is most likely that it is a reactivation of a gas release from previously mined Longwall 16 which was extracted between October 1998 and August 1999 and is the closest longwall to this impact. AA7_LW706_001 was last observed to be active on the 7th of January 2016.

Eighteen gas release zones have been observed in the Nepean River and tributaries as a result of Longwall 901 extraction. Gas releases are reducing as Longwall 901 is extracted further away from the river and at the end of the reporting period fifteen of the releases were still active with three inactive.

For all observed impacts, the appropriate TARP’s were applied, actions implemented and key stakeholders notified as required by the approved SMP and EP.

Impacts associated with Longwalls 706 and 901 are summarised in Table 18.

Table 18: Predicted vs Observed Impacts for Landscape Features for Appin Area 7. Aspect Predicted Impacts Observed Impacts

Nepean River water levels Unlikely for any significant change in water level along the

Nepean River No impacts observed

Surface waters in the mining areas Potential for surface water diversion directly above or adjacent

the mining area No impacts observed

Gas releases Likely that gas emissions could occur in the Nepean River Gas releases identified

Iron staining Minor iron flocs are expected to occur in the Nepean River.

No change in water quality is predicted No impacts observed

Fracturing Minor fracturing may occur in the bed of the Nepean River No impacts observed

Creeks Possible for localised increase in ponding, flooding or

scouring No impacts observed

Cliffs Possible minor isolated rock falls. Unlikely that any large cliff

instabilities would occur No impacts observed

Steep Slopes Unlikely that there would be any significant impacts to steep

slopes No impacts observed

Surface Water

Inspections carried out by the IC Environmental Field Team include monitoring for iron staining and gas releases in the river and tributaries. No areas of iron staining were identified during the reporting period.


Data for pH, Electrical Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen, Total Iron and Total Manganese are compared at sites upriver and downriver of mining in order to identify any significant water quality change. TARP limits have been established for water quality adjacent to the mining and downriver at monitoring sites.

No TARP trigger levels have been identified to date for Longwall 706 or Longwall 901. Table 19 provides a summary of the predicted and observed impacts for surface waters during the reporting period.

Table 19: Predicted vs Observed Impacts for Surface Water for Appin Area 7. Aspect Predicted Impacts Observed Impacts

Nepean River

Unlikely for any significant change in water level along the Nepean River

No mining-induced water level change has been observed – natural fluctuations with rainfall and WaterNSW dam releases

Potential for surface water flow diversion is very low No surface water flow diversion has been observed

Strata gas emissions into the river likely, with some associated reduction in dissolved oxygen possible

Gas zones observed in the Nepean River and the tributary Allens Creek. No associated reduction in dissolved oxygen has been observed

Low likelihood of ferruginous springs. Significant impacts on Nepean River pH, iron and dissolved oxygen not predicted

No new iron staining or seeps resulting identified

Harris River Mine subsidence induced ferruginous springs possible, with potential impacts on water quality

No subsidence induced fracturing or iron staining observed in Harris Creek

Groundwater

Piezometer and bore monitoring data has been used to determine pre-mining groundwater levels and quality. Monitoring undertaken includes deep groundwater (e.g. Bulgo Sandstone and coal seams) and the Hawkesbury Sandstone (shallow groundwater). Targeted monitoring to a depth of approximately 10 m below the level of the Nepean River has been established to determine if there are any changes to groundwater contributions to base flow of the river resulting from mining.

Bore EAW5 [S1913] is located approximately 2.2 km north to northwest of Longwall 706. As mining has progressed water head has declined linearly at EAW5 in the Hawkesbury Sandstone and there is a clear difference in the behaviour of groundwater pressures above and below the Bald Hill Claystone.

This is evidence of the contiguous nature of the claystone across the general Appin mining area and evidence of the pre-mining separation between shallow and deep aquifer heads.

The EAW5 water levels were essentially unaffected by Longwall 706 extraction, outside of a gradual water level decline in the Bulli Seam, Scarborough Sandstone (505mbgl), Bulgo Sandstone (274mbgl) and a rise in the Hawkesbury Sandstone at 65mbgl.

EAW7 (S1936) is located over Longwall 706. A decline of approximately 30m was observed in the Scarborough Sandstone, which was a clear mining effect of Longwall 705. No groundwater level reduction TARP triggers were exceeded during extraction of Longwall 706 and no changes outside of predictions for the monitoring bores occurred.

No adverse effects on groundwater supply, well yield or bore serviceability have been monitored or reported during and following extraction of Longwall 706.

No well yield TARP triggers were exceeded during or following the extraction of Longwall 706. Gas seepage has occurred in one private borehole and this has adversely impacted supply from the bore as a result of mining and is a Level 3 trigger. An alternative water supply has been provided to the landholder.


Aquatic Ecology

Within the Appin Areas 7 and 9 mining domain, significant aquatic habitat is limited to the Nepean River and its tributaries. Four species of aquatic macrophytes and five species of native fish were identified in the EIS and SMP studies. No threatened fish or invertebrate species were identified.

The area is potentially within the range of two threatened species (Macquarie Perch and Sydney Hawk Dragonfly) listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act.

Mine subsidence can result in fracturing and a net vertical uplift of the river bed, resulting in reductions in water depth. It was predicted that these effects could impact flow, connectivity and water quality and could also reduce availability of aquatic habitat. The Nepean River within the mining areas is generally a deep, continuous slow-flowing pool created by the damming effect of Douglas Park and Menangle Weirs. This would minimise the potential impacts on aquatic ecology resulting from reduced water flow and / or depth caused by any fracturing or net uplift of the river bed. Any impacts on water flow would be expected to be minimal due to the flooded nature of the river system.

The latest round of aquatic ecology monitoring was undertaken in November 2015, as part of the ongoing aquatic ecology monitoring programme. The assessment focussed on the effects of extraction on aquatic habitats and biota in relevent sections of the Nepean River, comparing results from surveys undertaken since 2002 (CEL, 2013).

There were no observed impacts to indicators of aquatic ecology (number of taxa and biotic indices derived from macroinvertebrate sampling) that could be attributed to mining. Differences in the number of taxa between Impact and Control Reaches prior to extraction, and between Control Reaches after extraction of Longwall 706, were not related to mining. Likewise, an increase in the OE50 Taxa Score (a biotic index of aquatic habitat and water quality) at the Impact Reach and a decrease at a Control Reach following the commencement of extraction of Longwall 706 was also unrelated to mining.

Rather, such changes, and other statistically significant differences in various indicators were attributed to natural variation.

Similarly, there was no evidence of any changes to fish and aquatic macrophytes attributable to mining. The fish assemblage sampled in the Nepean River following the commencement of extraction was comparable with that sampled prior to extraction and no fish kills or any other observations that may suggest an impact due to mining have been observed.

Table 20 provides a summary of predicted and observed impacts on aquatic ecology for the reporting period.

Table 20: Predicted vs Observed Impacts for Aquatic Ecology for Appin Area 7. Aspect Predicted Impacts Observed Impacts

Aquatic Ecology

Exposure of wetted substrata in some limited shallow

areas of the river, potentially arising due to minor

reductions in water depth caused by net uplift of the river

bed

No reported change in water level apart from the

normal fluctuations associated with rainfall and

Sydney Catchment Authority releases. No

exposed wetted substrata observed

Potential water loss or reduced flow due to fracturing of

the river bed. However, this was not expected to result in

significant water loss or reduced flow due to the flooded

nature of this reach

No fracturing observed in the Nepean River and no

water loss observed

Components of aquatic ecology such as flow

characteristics, connectivity and water quality should not

be impacted by any predicted subsidence

No reported surface water flow diversions, impacts

on water quality or connectivity of aquatic plant

components


Alterations to the composition of macrophyte beds due to

small reductions in water depth. However, this is not

expected to have a significant impact on the overall

habitat in the survey area

No alterations to the composition of macrophyte

beds observed. No mining induced dieback has

been observed

Possible that gas emissions may have impacts on water

quality

No evidence of significant impacts on water quality

due to gas releases

Potential impacts on fish and macroinvertebrates due to

mine subsidence are considered unlikely

No evidence of mining induced impact on either

fish or macroinvertebrates

Terrestrial Ecology

Assessments of significance have been completed for an endangered community and threatened flora and fauna species in the mining area. The assessment focused on flora and fauna that could potentially be impacted by subsidence. The following aspects were assessed:

Native vegetation communities;

Threatened flora; and

Threatened fauna and fauna habitat.

Plant communities, fauna habitats, threatened species, populations and ecological communities have not been significantly impacted by subsidence during the reporting period as outlined in Table 21 below.

Table 21: Predicted vs Observed Impacts for Terrestrial Ecology for Appin Area 7. Aspect Predicted Impacts Observed Impacts

Vegetation communities and fauna

habitat

Minor impacts to riparian habitats on the Nepean River

through changes in water levels, desiccation, gas release

and minor fracturing

No impacts observed

Minor impacts to vegetation due to rock falls, an increase

in ponding, flooding or cracking to drainage lines and

creeks

No impacts observed

Threatened flora Unlikely that any threatened flora would be significantly

impacted No impacts observed

Threatened fauna Unlikely that threatened fauna or habitats will be

significantly impacted No impacts observed

Cultural Heritage

European Heritage

No historical sites are located above the mining area.

Aboriginal Heritage

Based on the subsidence predictions provided by MSEC (2008) for Longwalls 705 to 710, it is unlikely that there will be impacts to the archaeological sites resulting from the extraction of the longwalls (Biosis, 2008).


Bradcorp 1 is an Aboriginal site located over 500m south-west of the commencing (western) end of Longwall 901. The site is outside the area predicted to experience subsidence, tilts, curvatures or strains (MSEC 2012).

Surface Infrastructure

Surface infrastructure located within or near the mining areas includes the following:

Optical fibre cables (Telstra, Optus, NextGen and Powertel);

Main Southern Railway and associated infrastructure;

HW2 Hume Highway and associated infrastructure;

Local roads and drainage culverts;

Low voltage power lines;

Copper telecommunications cables;

Building structures, pools, water tanks and farm dams;

Groundwater bores;

Heritage structures;

The Nepean Twin Bridges at Douglas Park;

Pumps in the Nepean River;

The Upper Canal, Cataract Tunnel and associated infrastructure; and

Survey Control Marks.

A summary of the observed impacts during reporting period is provided in Table 22.

Table 22: Predicted vs Observed Impacts for Surface Infrastructure for Appin Area 7. Aspect Predicted Impacts Observed Impacts

Local Road Minor cracking and localised heaving of the road surface in some locations above the longwall

Cracking observed to pavement on Menangle Road more than 400 m from mining. Cracks are not considered to be due to mine subsidence.

HW2 Hume Highway No impacts on the safety or serviceability of the highway after the implementation of the management strategies

No adverse impacts to safety or serviceability. Humps formed on both carriageways and these were remediated by re-shaping of the pavement surface as part of Management Plan responses.

Main Southern Railway No impacts on the safety or serviceability of the railway after the implementation of the management strategies

Changes in track geometry recorded and remediated in accordance with the established Management Plan. No adverse impacts to safety and serviceability

Douglas Park Twin Bridges Impacts unlikely after the implementation of the TARP No reported impacts

Moreton Park Road Bridge (south) Impacts unlikely after the detailed investigation, analysis and implementation

No reported impacts


Table 22: Predicted vs Observed Impacts for Surface Infrastructure for Appin Area 7. Aspect Predicted Impacts Observed Impacts

of the TARP

Low voltage power lines Impacts unlikely, but minor mitigation measures may be required

No reported impacts

Copper telecommunications cables Impacts unlikely No reported impacts

Optical fibre cables Impacts unlikely with the implementation of the management strategies including OTDR monitoring and mitigation

Small levels of signal loss measured

Building structures

Typically Category A Tilt Impacts, with 1 x Category B Tilt Impact. Typically Category 0 Strain Impacts, With 6 x Category 1 Strain Impacts, 4 x Category 2 Strain Impacts

To date, one claim made to MSB for impacts to house and one claim in the process of being made, due to the extraction of Longwall 706

Pools In ground pools could be more susceptible to ground strains

One impact reported (claim included with house impact mentioned above)

Water tanks Impacts unlikely No reported impacts

Farm dams Potential for minor cracking or leakage One claim to the MSB for impacts to a dam

Heritage structures Impacts unlikely No reported impacts

Groundwater bores Potential for blockage or reduction in the capacity of the groundwater bores

One private bore impact

Pumps in the Nepean River Impacts unlikely No reported impacts

The Upper Canal, Cataract Tunnel and associated infrastructure Impacts unlikely No reported impacts

Survey control marks Small far-field horizontal movements which could require re-establishment

Small far-field horizontal movements

West Cliff (Appin North) Monitoring and Management Programs The surface features in the vicinity of mining during the reporting period include:

The Georges River and associated tributaries;

Rocky outcrops and steep slopes;

Local roads;

An aero-club airfield;

Aboriginal and European heritage; and


Monitoring activities include:

Water flow, pool water levels and water quality monitoring;

Photographic and observational monitoring to identify mining-induced fractures, strata gas releases, iron staining and rock falls;

Aquatic ecology monitoring;

Aboriginal and European heritage items; and



Landscape Features

Monitoring of natural features above and adjacent to Longwall 38 includes regular inspections of the Georges River as well as riparian features and cliffs.

Pool water levels, flows, water quality, photographic and observational monitoring are undertaken to identify any mining-induced impacts such as fractures, strata gas releases, iron staining or rock falls from cliffs, steep slopes or rock outcrops. Table 23 summarises predicted and observed impacts from Longwall 38.

Table 23: Predicted vs Observed Impacts for Landscape Features for West Cliff (Appin North) Area 5.

Aspect Predicted Impacts Observed Impacts

Georges River and

tributaries

Negligible environmental consequences including:

negligible diversion of flows or changes in the natural

drainage behaviour of pools;

negligible gas releases and iron staining; and

negligible increase in water cloudiness.

over at least 80% of the stream length subject to vertical

subsidence >20mm.

No subsidence impact or environmental consequence

greater than minor.

Multiple fractures and dislodged rocks on

GR_Rockbar 49. Fractures range from 1.3m to

10m long. Flow diversion evident.

Rock fracture up to 4m long in GR104.

Fracturing and extension of bedding plane in

Rockbar 6A of GR108 approx. 1.4m long.

Fracturing and uplift in Channel 2 of GR108.

Maximum fracture approx. 10m long.

Fracturing and uplift downstream of

GR108_Pool. Largest fracture approx. 1.2m

long. No flow diversion. Minor iron staining.

Fracturing to boulders and base of GR110.

Fractures up 2.1m long. Loss of surface flow.

Fractures to Rock Outcrop adjacent to GR110.

Largest fracture is approx. 2.1m long.

20m section of iron staining downstream of

GR_Pool 49.

Cliffs

Cliffs of “special significance”:

Negligible impact (that is occasional rock falls

displacement or dislodgement of boulders or slabs, or

fracturing, that in total do not impact more than 0. 5% of

the total face area of such cliffs) within any longwall

mining domain.

Other cliffs:

Minor impacts (that is occasional rock falls, displacement

or dislodgement of boulders or slabs, or fracturing, that in

total do not impact more than 3% of the total face area of

such cliffs within any longwall mining domain)

No impacts observed

Access Track Minor impacts Two areas of soil cracking across fire trails.

Approx. 3m long. No impact to access.


Surface Water

The monitoring program provides a basis for the comparison of flow, pool level and water quality in the area before, during and after mining as outlined in the West Cliff (Appin North) Colliery Area 5 Longwalls 37 to 38 EP.

The pH, DO, ORP and salinity in the Georges River and tributary sites maintained a similar variability, with no significant change to the baseline range, along with no significant change in trend or extended adverse changes being observed as a result of extraction of Longwall 38. No TARP trigger levels were attained for pH due to extraction of Longwall 38.

During the extraction of Longwall 38, a 20m section of iron staining was observed in the Georges River downstream of GR_Pool 49. Minor iron staining was noted at impacts WCA5_LW38_002, as well as WCA5_LW38_005 in tributary GR108.

The levels of Mn, Ni and Zn in Georges River maintained similar pre Longwall 38 variability, with no significant change to the observed ranges as a result of extraction of Longwall 38.

Fracturing was identified in the Georges River at GR_Rockbar_49. The largest fracture at this site is 10m long and 0.04m wide. Flow diversion was observed and the impact is a Level 2 Trigger under the TARPs.

During monitoring for Longwall 38, below baseline levels were reported for Georges River pools; GR_Pool 60, GR_Pool 59, GR_Pool 58, GR_Pool 57, GR_Pool 56, GR_Pool 54 and GR_Pool 44. These pools have been reported during the extraction of previous longwalls and have been attributed to Longwall 35 impacts. During significant rainfall events and increased mitigatory flow from Brennans Creek Dam these pools continue to show water levels similar to baseline. However, these water levels decrease during periods of low rainfall and reduced releases from Brennans Creek Dam.

Remediation options for impacted sections of the Georges River as a result of Longwalls 32 to 38 will be addressed in the Georges River Remediation Plan (in draft).

A summary of the observed surface water impacts for Longwall 38 is provided in Table 24.

Table 24: Predicted vs Observed Impacts for Surface Water for West Cliff (Appin North) Area 5. Aspect Predicted Impacts Observed Impacts

Georges River

Negligible environmental consequences including:

negligible diversion of flows or changes in the natural drainage

behaviour of pools;

negligible gas releases and iron staining; and

Negligible increase in water cloudiness.

Over at least 80% of the stream length subject to vertical subsidence

>20mm.

No subsidence impact or environmental consequence greater than

minor.

Based on analysis of the long-term

water quality records for designated

upstream and downstream sites of

Longwall 38, no significant water

quality impacts were observed or

measured within the Georges River.

Fracturing and diversion of flow with

lower pool levels. Pool water levels

respond to increased releases from

Brennans Creek Dam.

Groundwater

No adverse interconnection of aquifers and aquitards has been observed within 20m of the plateau surface and no increased rate of groundwater recharge into the plateau has been observed as a result of Longwall 38.


No TARP trigger levels related to aquifer or aquitard interconnection or changes in recharge have been observed as a result of Longwall 38.

Water levels in Piezometers GR27, GR28, GR70 and WC54 have not been affected by subsidence up to the end of extraction of Longwall 38, although GR28 was affected by an approximately 6m drop associated with subsidence in August 2011.

The water level in WC95 fell by approximately 9m between the end of March and late May 2015 and then recovered by approximately 4m up to mid-January 2016.

A Level 1 TARP was triggered by the 9m reduction in water level in piezometer WC95 as the fall was between 5 and 7.5 m greater than the predicted reduction in Hawkesbury Sandstone related depressurisation over a minimum two month period.

The landowner at Lot 10, DP3221 reported an adverse effect on groundwater pumping supply and iron levels from bore GW72454 in mid-November 2015. The landowner at Lot 81, DP622780 reported an adverse effect on groundwater supply from bore K10bh01 in March 2016 in that it had not been performing as usual for several months. Alternative water supply has been provided where appropriate.

There were no bore water quality TARP triggers during or after the extraction of Longwall 38.

No increased groundwater inflow to the West Cliff (Appin North) mine workings following extraction of Longwall 38 has occurred and no TARP trigger levels have been reached or exceeded.

Aquatic Ecology

The latest round of aquatic ecology monitoring was undertaken in November 2015. The monitoring program focuses on three main indicators:

Aquatic habitat, including fish habitat, aquatic macrophytes and riparian vegetation;

Aquatic macroinvertebrates sampled in accordance with the Australian River Assessment System (AUSRIVAS); and

Fish sampled using backpack electrofishing.

The results of the November 2015 survey were compared with those obtained in May 2002, March 2005, November 2007, September 2008, May 2010, May 2012, December 2012, November 2013 and December 2014.

Data collected during December 2014 and November 2015 suggested that impacts to indicators of aquatic ecology in some sections of the river, previously observed in November 2013 following mining impacts in the Georges River due to extraction of Longwall 35, have recovered to some degree. Recovery is almost certainly a result of the restoration (at least temporarily) of pool water levels and flow in affected areas of the Georges River attributed to the additional releases of water from Brennans Creek Dam which were implemented as an ameliorative measure following extraction of Longwall 35.

There is no evidence to suggest the extraction of Longwalls 36 to 38 has had any impact on aquatic ecology. This finding is not surprising considering that minor physical impacts and no significant impacts to water quality have resulted from extraction of these longwalls.

A summary of predicted and observed impacts on aquatic ecology is provided in Table 25.

Table 25: Predicted vs Observed Impacts for Aquatic Ecology for West Cliff (Appin North) Area 5. Aspect Predicted Impacts Observed Impacts

Aquatic Ecology Threatened species, threatened populations, or Mining impacts in the Georges River due to extraction of


endangered ecological communities:

- negligible environmental consequences

Longwall 35, have recovered to some degree.

There is no evidence to suggest the extraction of

Longwalls 36 to 38 has had any impact on aquatic

ecology.

Terrestrial Ecology

A baseline Terrestrial Flora and Fauna Assessment (Flora Search, 2009; Biosphere, 2009) was undertaken in support of the Bulli Seam Operations Environmental Assessment, the Study Area for these assessments included the Longwalls 37 and 38 Study Area. Supplementary field surveys for terrestrial biodiversity were undertaken by Niche (2013), for the purposes of the Longwall 37 and 38 EP.

Subsidence effects are unlikely to have a significant impact on any threatened flora or fauna species (Niche, 2013). However, impacts may lead to the alteration of habitat and the alteration of the natural flow regimes of rivers, stream, floodplains and wetlands following longwall mining (Niche, 2013).

Visual inspections of vegetation communities within the Longwalls 37 and 38 Study Area are undertaken as a part of routine landscape and water monitoring programs. Monitoring focuses on detecting significant changes to vegetation communities and fauna habitat present within the Longwalls 37 and 38 Study Area.

No impacts were observed to the vegetation within the study area during inspections undertaken throughout the Longwall 38 extraction period. Table 26 summarises the predicted and observed impacts for the reporting period.

Table 26: Predicted vs Observed Impacts for Terrestrial Ecology for West Cliff (Appin North) Area 5. Aspect Predicted Impacts Observed Impacts

Ecology Threatened species, threatened populations, or

endangered ecological communities:

- negligible environmental consequences

No impacts observed.

Cultural Heritage

European Heritage

No historical site is located above Longwall 38.

Aboriginal Heritage

There were no new impacts identified as a result of Longwall 38 extraction. Impacts have previously been noted to Aboriginal shelter sites Georges River No. 2 (AHIMS # 52-2-2243) and Georges River No. 3 (52-2-2243). These impacts were a result of subsidence movements from Longwall 35 (Niche 2013) and Longwall 36 (Niche 2014) and have not been further impacted by the extraction of Longwall 38.

A summary of the inspection on archaeological sites from the extraction of Longwalls 37 is outlined in Table 27 below.

Table 27: Summary of Site Visits to the Aboriginal Heritage Sites in Proximity to Longwall 37. AHMS Site Number Site Name Results of Inspection

52-2-2243 Georges River 2 Impacts to this shelter had been noted in Niche (2014). Observations found that

impacts had not worsened and remained in the same condition as described by


Niche 2015.

The art panel remains in the same condition as described in Biosis Research 2007

and Niche 2013b, 2014 and 2015 and has not been affected by the observed

changes.

52-2-2244 Georges River 3 This shelter was in the same condition as described by Niche 2015. There has

been no further movement of the horizontal bedding plane joints of the shelter and

the cracking and exfoliation observed in relation to LW35. The site remains the

same as previously described.

The art panel remains in the same condition as described in Biosis Research 2007

and Niche 2013b.

52-2-2242 Georges River 4 Shelter and Art are in the same condition as described by Biosis Research 2007

and Niche Environment and Heritage 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

52-2-2234 Georges River 1 This shelter is in the same condition as previously described in both Biosis

Research 2007 and Niche Environment and Heritage 2011, 2013, 2013b and

2014. Natural weathering of the art panel has caused further granular loss, and a

white leeching process has occurred over the infill kangaroo.

52-2-2241 Georges River 5 Shelter and art are in the same condition as described by Biosis Research 2007

and Niche Environment and Heritage 2011, 2013 and 2014.The previously

reported charcoal drawings were in the same condition as described previously by

Biosis 2007. The single quartz artefact was not observed in the shelters drip line

during this assessment.

52-2-2235 Georges River 6 The site could not be accessed due to landholder restrictions.

Surface Infrastructure

Subsidence monitoring programmes are developed in consultation with key stakeholders and ensure that all key infrastructure and other surface features located above the extraction areas are closely monitored to assess subsidence movements and impacts.

Monitoring frequency varies in relation to the proximity of mining to the features in accordance with the agreed monitoring plans. Frequencies vary from weekly during periods when subsidence is most active, to monthly or pre and post longwall extraction for some types of infrastructure.

All survey reports are checked, reviewed and assessed by the Illawarra Coal Survey Team with additional reviews undertaken by the Illawarra Coal Subsidence Management Review Committee which meets on a monthly basis. A summary of the predicted and observed impacts for surface infrastructure is provided in Table 28 below.

A summary of the predicted and observed impacts for surface infrastructure is provided in Table 28 below.

Table 28: Summary of Assessed and Observed Impacts for Surface Infrastructure for FY16. Surface Infrastructure Predicted Impacts Observed Impacts

Public Roads and tracks

Impacts unlikely, however may present as

cracking and heaving which would be minor

in nature.

Soil cracking in two access tracks to Georges

River.

Endeavour Energy 66 kV, 11 kV Impacts unlikely. No reported impacts.


Table 28: Summary of Assessed and Observed Impacts for Surface Infrastructure for FY16. Surface Infrastructure Predicted Impacts Observed Impacts

and low voltage power lines

Telstra Copper Cables Impacts unlikely. No reported impacts.

Rural Building Structures

Minor impacts that could be remediated

using normal building techniques.

Structures would remain safe and

serviceable

One impact reported where the concrete slab in

a shed had dropped

Tanks Impacts unlikely. No reported impacts.

Farm Dams Potential for some minor cracking or

leakage in farm dams. Leaking in one dam reported.

Houses

Generally slight to minor impacts

anticipated, but possible major impacts due

to irregular movements.

Cracking to one house reported

Pools

Tilt could be visible along waterline and

inground pools could be more susceptible

to strain impacts.

Cracking in one pool reported

Fences Possible that some fences could

experience slight impacts. No reported impacts.

Survey control marks Small far-field horizontal movements which

could require re-establishment. Small far-field horizontal movements.

Environmental Research Program During the reporting period Illawarra Coal undertook research into an improved understanding and prediction of subsidence impacts. Understanding strata conditions and properties contributes significantly to the prediction of subsidence impacts. Testing of overburden strata (core and in situ) has been completed during the exploration program to further define the mechanical, hydrogeological and geochemical properties of rock strata. This work has been undertaken in the Area 7 and 9 mining domains.

A regional network of pore pressure monitoring bores with vertical arrays of transducers has been installed to assess and quantify the height and impacts of subsurface fracturing. This network was further developed during the reporting period as part of the exploration program.

Analysis of the available groundwater level data from shallow and deep groundwater systems indicates that mining is not having an unexpectedly strong influence on groundwater levels in the deep groundwater systems, e.g. the Bulli Seam and Scarborough Sandstone. These depressurisation effects are in areas and horizons where there is very little productive groundwater resource or extraction for anthropogenic purposes. Furthermore, and more importantly for environmental and anthropogenic groundwater users, the data shows that the mining impact on groundwater levels in the Bulgo Sandstone and the shallow Hawkesbury Sandstone is in line with predictions and the approved BSO environmental approvals.

Drawdowns of up to 10 metres are observed in the Hawkesbury Sandstone, however these mining influences are temporary, and water levels generally recover within months of longwalls being completed. Based on the analysis of heads around the Nepean River piezometers, gradients toward the river were preserved, which maintains base flows to the rivers.


Comparison of the predicted groundwater levels and drawdowns from the EA Groundwater Assessment (Heritage Computing, 2010) with observed data for the reporting period suggests that the model is a useful tool for groundwater assessment. The match between modelled and observed water levels is generally good to fair.

Illawarra Coal implements targeted research to improve the understanding and prediction of environmental consequences on significant natural features resulting from subsidence impacts. The research is directed at improving the prediction, assessment, remediation and/or avoidance of subsidence impacts and environmental consequences on significant natural features.

During the reporting period Illawarra Coal continued to develop the Swamp Rehabilitation Research Plan (SRRP) in consultation with the Department of Planning and Environment. The objectives of the SRRP are to:

Investigate methods to rehabilitate swamps subject to subsidence impacts and environmental consequences;

Establish a field trial (for a 5 year duration or longer) for rehabilitation techniques at a swamp or swamps that have been impacted by subsidence; and

Include a schedule for subsequent trials, development of work plans and ongoing reporting.

Detailed monitoring programs have been implemented to provide a basis for the design and implementation of any swamp mitigation or remediation required. Swamp rehabilitation options have been developed from rehabilitation programs in the Georges River and from swamp rehabilitation techniques used for non-mining related impacts in the Blue Mountains and other areas. Research programs and projects undertaken by Illawarra Coal will develop further understanding of the factors which influence swamp health and function, if and how swamps have been changed due to mining and what rehabilitation methods may be required for swamp restoration.

Remediation works were undertaken from 2002 – 2005 to reduce impacts to the Georges River at Pools 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16, Marhnyes Hole and Jutts Crossing. These previous mitigation works demonstrate that remediation of mining induced subsidence impacts can be achieved within acceptable environmental limits. The following grouting techniques have previously been implemented:

hand mortaring;

pattern grouting; and

deep angled hole grouting.

The works have proven successful, with flows and water levels during low flow conditions being restored in areas where rehabilitation has been completed. Further rehabilitation is proposed for the Georges River where impacts occurred from Longwalls 35 and 38. The plan has been developed in consultation with key Government stakeholders. As part of these works Illawarra Coal will undertake research into the implementation and effectiveness of the rehabilitation techniques.

Illawarra Coal submitted a revised Underground Coal Wash Emplacement Trial 13th October 2013. The revised Plan proposed to defer the trial for 5 years for the following reasons:

The trial replicates what has been demonstrated by another Southern District Colliery

The declaration of Dharawal National Park has eliminated a significant area of potentially suitable roadways for underground coalwash emplacement

Illawarra Coal’s focus on diverting material from surface emplacement via alternative beneficial uses continues.


Illawarra Coal supported a number of research projects relating to beneficial coalwash use during the reporting period and this has opened up significant potential for diverting coalwash from emplacement. The FY17 forecast is for 86% of coalwash from Dendrobium Mine to be diverted to beneficial uses.

6.16. HYDROCARBON CONTAMINATION

Refer to section 6.5.

6.17. METHANE VENTILATION

The in-seam gas content of the Bulli Seam in the Appin and West Cliff (Appin North) areas is in the order of 12 to 14 cubic metres of methane per tonne of in-situ coal. Both operations maintain a comprehensive underground methane drainage program which includes a network of drill holes and pipes to recover a large proportion of this gas by in-seam and cross-measure drainage. Methane drainage is necessary to provide a safe, compliant and productive underground mining environment.

Drainage gas extraction, utilisation and venting rates are reported on a monthly basis and these readings are used by Illawarra Coal for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) accounting. During this period the Appin and West Cliff (Appin North) monitoring systems, procedures and figures reported were audited (reasonable assurance) as required by statutory and internal requirements.

6.18. MINE SAFETY GAS DRAINAGE

Details of the goaf gas drainage activities, including current status of each of the established well sites, is provided in Mine Safety Gas Drainage section of this report.

At West Cliff (Appin North), no surface gas drainage activities were undertaken as underground operations ceased.

At Appin, surface gas drainage activities occur above the Appin Area 9 mining domain. Surface gas drainage activites undertaken during FY16 involved connecting the surface wells into the underground gas drainage network where the gas is utilized by the offsite EDL Power Plant. Only 8 days of flaring (July 2015) were undertaken.

Mine Methane Extraction Appin

The methane gas extracted from the coal seam by the underground gas extraction network is directed to the surface, via the gas drainage plant, from where it is piped to the electricity generation plants and used to generate electricity. The electricity generation plants are operated by EDL. A total of 1726 ktCO2e was recovered and transferred (i.e. abated) to the EDL Power Plant.


The West Cliff (Appin North) Methane Drainage Extraction Plant and the gas blower station was decommissioned following the completion of Longwall mining in Area 5 in early 2016.

A total of 852 ktCO2e was recovered and transferred (i.e. abated) to the EDL Power Plant which equates to a 59% increase when compared to the previous reporting period.


Mine Ventilation Fans Appin

During the reporting period, approximately 1735 ktCO2e was emitted to atmosphere from the Appin Mine Ventilation System, up 33% when compared to FY15. The average CH4 concentration was 0.69% (similar to FY15) and the average CO2 concentration was 0.32% (similar to FY15).


During the reporting period, approximately 852 ktCO2e was emitted to atmosphere from the West Cliff (Appin North) Mine Ventilation System, a 10% increase from FY15. The average CH4 concentration was 0.53% (Drop of 0.06% from FY154) and the average CO2 concentration was 0.26% 0.34% (drop of 0.08% from FY15).

WestVAMP

The WestVAMP project was designed to consume low purity methane in air mix (mine vent air) to produce electricity. The project was completed during the 2007/08 reporting period. The plant is scaled to utilise approximately 20% of the available mine vent air with a generation capacity of 6MWh. WestVAMP consumed 8,497,826m3 of coal mine waste gas during the reporting period (CMWG). The WestVAMP power generator produced 21,265 MWh (net) of electricity which was wholly utilised by the West Cliff (Appin North) Colliery. This is a large decrease when compared to the previous periods’ abatement and generation performance as the WestVAMP facility was shut down for decommissioning during the reporting period. The project has been a significant Greenhouse Gas reduction initiative, which complements the reductions presently achieved by the Appin and Tower Power Plant Projects.

6.19. HAZARDOUS MATERIAL MANAGEMENT

Storage Oils are stored in purpose built facilities with appropriate bunding and firefighting provision. A licensed contractor is engaged to remove and recycle and/or dispose of used oil and grease products through appropriately licensed facilities.

Diesel fuel is brought to the Appin East (Central), Appin West and West Cliff (Appin North) sites by road tanker and stored in above ground bunded tanks from where it is transferred to diesel pods for underground use or direct to machinery.

The chlorine dioxide dosing plant at Brennans Creek Dam is still in use. This includes storage of approximately 5000 L of Sodium Hypochlorite and 5000 L of Hydrochloric Acid.

All explosives / detonators for the Appin operations are currently stored at the explosives storage facility located at the Appin West and Appin East (Central) mine site. Storage facility information is provided below.

Table 29: Explosives and Detonator Storage - Appin Site Type Capacity

Appin East (Central)

1.1D Explosive type E 300 kg

1.1D Explosive type A 250 kg

1.1B Detonators 5000 detonators

Appin West 1.1D Explosive 2000 kg

1.1B Detonators 5000 detonators


Details of the bulk chemical storage locations associated with the Appin operation are provided in the tables below.

Table 30: Summary of Dangerous Goods Storage on the Appin West Site. Depot Class Type of Storage Product Name Maximum Volume (L) Normal Storage (L)

2 8 Above Ground Tank Hydrochloric acid 12,000 12,000

3 C1 Above Ground Tank Diesel 42,200 40,000

4 8 Above Ground Tank Sodium Chlorite 3,000 2,700

5 8 Above Ground Tank Hydrochloric Acid 3,000 2,700

Table 31: Summary of Dangerous Goods Storage on the Appin East (Central) Site. Depot Class Type of Storage Product Name Maximum Volume (L) Normal Storage (L)

2 C1 Above Ground Tank Diesel 36,600 36,000

3 8 Above Ground Storage Ferric Chloride 3000 3000

4 8 Above Ground Storage Sodium Hypochlorite 3000 3000

There is one monitoring gauge (moisture scanner) at the Appin East (Central) Surface Elevator Belt that contains low emission radioactive isotopes. This gauge is licensed and maintained as per the legal requirements. The gauge is housed in an appropriate container and is inspected and tested in accordance with legislative requirements.

There are several monitoring gauges (moisture scanners) in the WCCPP that contain low emission radioactive isotopes and these gauges are licensed and maintained as per legal requirements. All gauges are housed in appropriate containers and are inspected and tested in accordance with legislative requirements.

6.20. NORTH CLIFF

The North Cliff Mine Site and access road is located between O’Hares Creek and Stokes Creek. The majority of the site is gently sloping in a northerly direction towards O’Hares Creek. The mine site covers an area of approximately 10.3 hectares of which approximately 6.5 hectares is undisturbed by mining activities. The North Cliff site is shown in Plan 10.

Access to the site is along 10B and 10C Fire Trails from an intersection on the Bulli/Appin Road, 6 km northwest of Bulli Pass. The 4.5 km long access road is included in the mine site Coal Lease CCL724.

Land Ownership and Approvals The North Cliff Mine Site and access road is subject to CCL724, which includes the surface and land below to an unlimited depth over the mine site and to a depth of 15m over the access road. Consent to establish the mine was granted in 1981 by the Minister for Planning and Environment under Section 101 of the Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and subsequently amended under Section 102 of the Act.

History Mining operations commenced at the site in 1983, with mining operations restricted to a single unit Continuous Miner. The ROM product was brought to the surface through the No.4 shaft and into a 400 t surge bin, from which the product was loaded into trucks and transported to West Cliff (Appin North) Colliery for processing.


Mining operations ceased at North Cliff in 1990 at which time all underground equipment was removed from the site. The two shafts were temporarily sealed with concrete caps with additional security fencing and associated signage installed to prevent unauthorised access. A number of the buildings and associated structures, and various other pieces of equipment were also removed from site. Periodic inspections are undertaken by the Site Environmental Representative.

Remaining Infrastructure As specified above, most of the infrastructure that was located on the North Cliff site was removed following closure of the mine in 1990. The major structures remaining on the site include:

No.3 shaft head frame;

No.4 shaft head frame; and

Sub-station base slabs.

There are also various items of redundant equipment on the site, however these are not posing an environmental or safety hazard. There has been no equipment removed from site during the reporting period.

Site Security The North Cliff Site is enclosed with a 1.8 metre high fence with two locked entry gates. The site security fencing is inspected on a regular basis.

Site Rehabilitation An area on the site between the two shafts was used for the disposal of spoil excavated from the sinking on the shafts. The spoil heap, which covers an area of approximately 3.5 ha and containing 55,000 m3 of loosely tipped shale and sandstone, has been graded, shaped and regenerated with local vegetation species.

The West Cliff (Appin North) Conceptual Closure Plan details the remaining site specific closure works to be undertaken at this site. A summary is provided below:

Remove infrastructure;

Fill and seal No. 3 and No. 4 shafts in accordance with DTI requirements;

Demolish and remove all concrete slabs and bitumen surfaces including hardstand areas;

Remediate any contaminated soil by removal, encapsulation or land farming on site;

Backfill lagoon with wall material and clean material;

Topsoil bare or stripped areas, where appropriate;

Re-profile site as per the final landform design to reduce the slope lengths by constructing contour banks and armouring channels to prevent erosion;

Revegetate as per the final revegetation/landscape plan utilising local species. Rip and seed to stabilise the bare soil using an appropriate method (such as hydro-seeding/hydro-mulching); and

Develop ongoing maintenance management plans.

Post Closure works will include:


Monitor frequently until vegetation establishment, and then on a minimum 12 monthly basis for at least 5 years after works have been completed (or site sold); and

Carry out weed control and replanting/reseeding as necessary.

Water Management Surface drainage is mainly carried in open channels to the site pond located at the northwest corner of the site. The pond is a permeable structure that filters the water that passes through the wall. Water that overflows the dam in wet weather events or passes through the wall flows through open sedge-land before entering an unnamed creek and into O’Hares Creek. There is no environmental impact associated with these discharge events on the receiving environment. No issues were identified with the site drainage system during the reporting period. No hydrocarbons or chemicals are stored at the Site.

Air Quality The generation of windblown dust from the North Cliff Mine Site is unlikely to cause any adverse impacts on air quality on the community due to the isolated location of the site. A large proportion of the disturbed areas are largely compacted hence further reducing the likelihood of generating significant emissions of wind blow dust.

Noxious Weeds The site management measures to monitor and control the growth of noxious weeds on the mine site include the use of a weed control specialist to inspect the mine site periodically. No issues were identified during the reporting period.

Archaeological Sites Archaeological surveys were carried out in 1977 and 1983. The studies identified one aboriginal site, a single axe groove on an exposed rock shelf; located within the fenced mine site area. No damage occurred to these sites during the development or operation of the mine. No damage was identified at this site during the reporting period.

Environmental Inspections Four environmental inspections of the North Cliff site were completed during the reporting period. The quarterly inspections cover the following aspects:

Site Security and Safety;

Surface Drainage;

Erosion;

Weed Management;

Archaeological Sites;

Dust; and

Hydrocarbon Management.

6.21. PUBLIC SAFETY

No incidents involving the general public occurred during the reporting period. Safety risks associated with the site activities are addressed and controlled by the mechanisms listed in Table 32.


Table 32: Site Safety Risks and Control Mechanisms Potential Safety Risk Control Mechanism

External persons attending site Site reception office – sign in/out procedure in place for visitors.

Site inductions / awareness sessions for persons undertaking activities on site.

Company representative accompanies visits to the North Cliff site.

General vehicle traffic Designated and sign posted roads and rules.

Periodic speed monitoring along Wedderburn Road.

Key locked gates to site (North Cliff).

Public roadway conditions Routine daily inspections of public roads for evidence of coal spilled from trucks.

Use of road sweepers to clean roads as required

Coal Trucks - Loads covered before travelling on public roads.

All truck leaving the West Cliff (Appin North) site must pass through the truck wash located to

the east of the clean coal bins.

Exposure to hazardous chemicals Designated storage facilities and signage.

Chemalert system in place.

Rules and procedures in place for bringing chemicals into site.

Personnel Health and Hygiene Surveillance / monitoring program in place for noise, reparable dust, hazardous materials

exposure.

PPE requirements enforced and periodically audited.

Hazardous areas are delineated with warning signs and notices.

Radiation apparatus Certified and registered installations – annual inspections by certifying officer.

Licences in place for all radiation apparatus.

Heavy vehicle movements on site Reversing alarms.

South32 Fatal Risk standards.

Authorised / licensed operators.

Working at heights Standards and procedures for working at height activities.

Confined Spaces Standards and procedures for working in confined spaces.

Explosive atmospheres Explosion protected and intrinsically safe equipment – monitoring of the underground

environment.

Fire Firefighting infrastructure in place to protect persons and property.

Potential at risk activities Formal risk assessment / task analysis process in place to assess risks and ensure sufficient

controls are in place prior to the work/activity commencing.

Surface and underground vehicles Vehicle standards in place - rotating beacons / seat belts / roll bar protection where relevant.

Light vehicle policy for surface vehicles.


7. WATER MANAGEMENT 7.1. WATER SUPPLY AND USE

Appin West Mine water is processed at the Appin West Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to produce treated water. This treated water is supplied to the Appin Mine underground mining operations. Any shortfall in underground supply is made up using potable water provided by Sydney Water. Potable water is used for site administration buildings, workshops, the bathhouse and as a back-up for underground operations.

Water Treatment Plant Improvements The continual process improvements at the Appin West WTP has allowed for increased throughput and operational uptime of the Water Filtration Plant (WFP) compared to last FY.

Trials of a pre-treatment system (before Reverse Osmosis RO) and membrane technologies during the reporting period have informed the final concept design for planned future expansion. The upgrading of the WFP to cater for the increased processing demand is presently under way with commissioning expected to be completed FY17. Key drivers for this upgrade include minimising dependency on Sydney Water, environmental compliance and an increase in demand for underground water requirements with the Area 9 mining domain.

The staged upgrade process entails project components of pre-treatment, integrated membrane system and bulk storage and blending. The newly constructed plant is expected to cater a throughput capacity of 4.7 ML/day with an additional 2.0 ML of surface storage. The overall upgrade is expected to be completed within FY17.

Appin East (Central) Potable water is supplied by Sydney Water to the Appin East (Central) mine site via a 600 kL surface tank. This tank provides potable water for the Bathhouse, workshops, administration buildings, Appin No.2 shaft area, Energy Development Limited Appin East (Central) Power Plant and nearby mine-owned cottages.

During this reporting period Appin East (Central) underground has been operated on recycled mine water (supplied underground from Appin West WFP) and Sydney water supplies from Appin East (Central) Pit Top tanks. Surface water runoff from rainfall is captured in the main surface dam and is used as supply for the truck washing facilities, dust suppression on haulage roads and stockpiles and dirty equipment hose down. Potable water was also being supplied to the West Cliff (Appin North) underground operations (mining ceased in Feb 2016) and the WestVAMP project (now redundant) from the Appin East (Central) Site. In addition, a pipeline was installed to temporarily dilute discharge from Brennans Ck Dam to reduce salinity levels in-line with the EPL. This pipeline will be used as future water supply to the West Cliff (Appin North) Washery during drought as projects under PRP19 are completed (Section 0).

Table 33 provides an overview of the potable water usage associated with the Appin operations for the reporting period.

Table 33: Potable Water Usage for the Appin Operations

Area Usage FY15 (ML)

Usage FY16 (ML)

Variance Comments

Appin East (Central) &

West 190 480 +290

Increase due to water being pumped across to

the West Cliff (Appin North) Washery site to

reduce salinity levels

An estimate of the volume of clean and dirty water stored on site at the end of the reporting period is provided in Table 34.


Table 34: Stored Water - Appin

Water Type Volumes Held (m3)

Start of Reporting Period At End of Reporting Period Storage Capacity

Clean water 2.8 2.8 2.8

Dirty water 30 30 33.3

Controlled discharge water

(salinity trading schemes) 2.4 2.4 2.4

Contaminated water N/A N/A N/A

West Cliff (Appin North) West Cliff (Appin North) Colliery Site is primarily reliant on recycled water. Some potable water is trucked to site and stored in a surface tank for use in the bathhouse and office facilities. Potable water was pumped from Appin East (Central) for use in WestVAMP (now redundant) and the longwall until operations were ceased in Feb 2016. Recycled water is sourced from Brennans Creek Dam (BCD) from where it is pumped, following chlorination treatment, for use in the following areas:

West Cliff (Appin North) Underground operations;

West Cliff (Appin North) Coal Preparation Plant and associated infrastructure; and

West Cliff Pit Top (Appin North).

Annual recycled water usage from BCD for the West Cliff (Appin North) operations for this reporting period was approximately 718 ML. Approximately 70% of this water was utilised on the surface for CPP and associated infrastructure and the West Cliff (Appin North Site) with the remaining 30% utilised underground for mining related activities. This was significantly less than the previous reporting period due to longwall operations in Area 5 concluding in Feb 2016 and the increased use of recycled water at the Washery (see below).

A total of 107 ML of potable water was consumed during the reporting period which is significantly less than the previous year due to longwall operations in Area 5 concluding in Feb 2016.

A summary of the water usage for the reporting period, compared to the previous reporting period, is provided in Table 35.

In June 2015 initial works to increase the amount of recirculated water used at the West Cliff (Appin North) Coal Preparation Plant were undertaken. These works reduce the volume of Washery waste water flowing to Brennans Creek Dam and decrease the volume of Brennans Creek Dam water required in the Washery. The works utilise existing infrastructure (no new construction footprint required). Further details are outlined in section 6.3 of this report (PRP19). The project is due to be completed during the next reporting period and will be reported in the FY17 AEMR.

Table 35: Water Usage Comparison

Type Usage FY15 (ML)

Usage FY16 (ML)

Comment

Sydney Water 209 107 WC Longwall operations ceased Feb 2016

Recycled (BCD) Water 2099 718 WC Longwall operations ceased Feb 2016

An estimate of the volume of clean and dirty water stored on site at the end of the reporting period is provided in the table below.


Table 36: Stored Water – West Cliff (Appin North)

Water Type Volumes Held (m3)

Start of Reporting Period At End of Reporting Period Storage Capacity

Clean water 307 307 307

Dirty water 200 200 237

Controlled discharge water

(salinity trading schemes) N/A N/A N/A

Contaminated water N/A N/A N/A

Appin Ventilation No.6 Shaft Site During the reporting period water was extracted from the Nepean River and used on site for operational purposes. The water is extracted under the Surface Water License No. 10WA117285, issued by NSW Office of Water (NOW) on the 15 November 2011. The Licence allows up to 53 ML to be diverted - Comprising of 40 ML for mining use and 13 ML for industrial use in any one year commencing 1 July. Approximately 5.5 ML was extracted during the reporting period for mining use.

7.2. SURFACE WATER

Surface water management at the BSO is undertaken in accordance with EPL 2504 and the approved BSO Water Management Plan. Specifics of the site water management systems are provided in the BSO Water Management Plan which is available on the South32 regulatory information website.

Appin West The filter modules at Point 23 have undergone routine maintenance, including replacement of the filters and screens. No additional works have been undertaken at the site. The active oil separator (spin separator) underwent a major service, and the passive separator (baffle plate system) also underwent routine maintenance.

Appin East (Central) The silt trap associated with the main dam has undergone standard maintenance and the dynasand and first flush systems have undergone standard maintenance.

West Cliff (Appin North) The seep that was identified in the reclaim pond at Brennans Creek Dam in March 2010 continues to be monitored on a regular basis with results including flow measurements, piezometer readings and visual inspections, reported through to the consultant geotechnical engineer periodically. There has been no change to the characteristics (i.e. volume, clarity etc.) of the seep for the reporting period. A new V notch and concrete bund has been installed around the seeps to improve accuracy of monitoring.

Surveillance reports are prepared every 5 years by the consultant geotechnical engineer. The latest report was submitted to the Dam Safety Committee in August 2011. The next surveillance report is due in 2016. Intermediate inspections are being conducted regularly by Illawarra Coal.

Surface run-off associated with the emplacement area, operates in accordance with the approved Coal Wash Emplacement Area Management Plan which is available on the South32 website.

Appin Ventilation No.6 Shaft Site During the reporting period surface runoff was captured on site and treated with flocculent in surface dams prior to discharge into Harris Creek via LDP 36.


7.3. GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT

Appin During the reporting period excess groundwater from the Appin operations was pumped to the surface at Appin West for treatment via the Appin West WTP. The treated water is re-used underground and/or discharged via LDP24. Discharge volumes at LDP24 are made available to the public via the web based environmental monitoring report which is issued every 14 days.

West Cliff (Appin North) Water for underground use is delivered from BCD to the underground operations via a gravity fed pipeline. Groundwater and surplus mine water is collected in pits and pumped to the surface for use in the West Cliff (Appin North) CPP. During the reporting period approximately 230 ML of water was delivered underground with approximately 600 ML of surplus underground water pumped to the surface for use in the CPP or treated and release to BCD.

7.4. RAINFALL

Figure 12 below displays the annual rainfall for the region since FY11 at Menangle, NSW.

Figure 12: Annual rainfall – Menangle (BOM site #68216)

0

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200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16

Rai

nfal

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m)

Annual Rainfall


8. REHABILITATION 8.1. REHABILITATION FOR THE REPORTING PERIOD

Buildings

The Appin West bulk coal winder building was modified for the installation of new gas drainage infrastructure (see photos below).

Figure 13: Demolition of the bulk coal winder building

Modifications were made to the Vent Shaft No. 3 fan and fan housing, converting the shaft from upcast to downcast following the commissioning of Vent Shaft No 6.

Rehabilitation of Disturbed Land

Progressive rehabilitation of the West Cliff (Appin North) Emplacement has been undertaken during the reporting period in accordance with the approved West Cliff (Appin North) Coal Wash Emplacement Area Management Plan. Refer to Appendix A: Annual Rehabilitation Report for further detail of the success of the rehabilitation of the Emplacement area. Plan 12 – Land Preparation Planoutlines the rehabilitation undertaken over the reporting period.

Figure 14: Stage 2 emplacement rehabilitation after two years showing dense cover of shrubs and high native species

diversity.


Exploration activities are undertaken on an ongoing basis following completion of associated activities.

The rehabilitation summary is provided in Table 37.

8.2. REHABILITATION TRIALS AND RESEARCH

No rehabilitation trials were conducted during the reporting period.

8.3. FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE FINAL REHABILITATION PLAN

The BSO Mining Operations Plan (also known as the Rehabilitation Management Plan) addresses the rehabilitation requirements and objectives for all domains associated with the Appin and West Cliff (Appin North) combined BSO. The MOP outlines a range of post land use options that are potentially available for the BSO sites upon completion of operations. The future final land use objectives are yet to be decided upon and agreed due to timing of the eventual closure of BSO related sites. There has been no further development of this plan.

The Rehabilitation Cost Estimate (RCE) for the BSO was reviewed during FY16 and is attached as Appendix F to this document.

Table 37: Rehabilitation Status.

Location

Area Affected/Rehabilitation (ha)

Previous Report (FY15)

This Report (FY16)

Forecast (FY17)

A Total Mine Footprint 46580 46580 46580

B Total Active Disturbance 92 146 146

C Land Being Prepared for Rehabilitation 6 6 5

D Land Under Active Rehabilitation 55 61 65

E Completed Rehabilitation 0 0 0


9. COMMUNITY At the completion of this reporting period the Appin and West Cliff (Appin North) Mines employed 709 full time employees. In addition 400 full time contractors were working across the operations.

The closest township to the Appin West surface operations is the village of Douglas Park, which is located approximately 4 km to the north west of the surface operations. The current underground mining operation (i.e. Area 7) is located on the outskirts of the Douglas Park village.

The closest township to the West Cliff (Appin North) surface operations is the village of Appin, which is located approximately 4 km to the north west of the operations. The current underground mining operations (i.e. Longwall 38) are located approximately 5 km to the north of Appin.

Appin East (Central) Pit Top is located on the outskirts of Appin.

9.1. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLAINTS

During this reporting period 17 complaints were received in relation to BSO operations (including Pit Tops, Mine Safety Gas Drainage projects, and exploration work). Details of the complaints received and the actions taken are provided in Appendix C: FY2016 Complaints. A summary of all complaints received across the BSO is included in refer to Figure 15.

All complaints received are recorded in the South32 information management system in accordance with the Environmental Protection Licence and Development Consent conditions. The Illawarra Coal Community Call Line is a 24 hour, 7 day per week call centre for enquiries and complaints. A Company representative responds to the contact and liaises with operational personnel to attend to any issue(s) of concern within a reasonable timeframe.

Figure 15: Summary of complaints for FY16.

9.2. COMMUNITY LIAISON

Community consultation is undertaken on an Illawarra Coal group basis, with support of operational and functional team members. Community liaison is managed as per the Illawarra Coal Stakeholder Engagement Management Plan. The plan, which was reviewed during the reporting period, identifies key stakeholders and appropriate communication and consultation processes.

Key regional stakeholders include:

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

Community Complaints FY16

Other

Noise AA9

Odour

Logistics

Noise-AA7

Noise -V6

Noise-AE

Dust

Visual impacts


Communities surrounding the Appin and West Cliff (Appin North) operations;

Local government;

State government agencies and authorities including DTIRIS, OEH, SCA, and MSB;

Employees and contractors;

Local and regional business groups;

Community and Environmental groups;

The indigenous community – Tharawal Aboriginal Land Council and others;

Local schools and volunteer groups; and

The broader regional community.

Community information is provided in accordance with the Illawarra Coal Stakeholder Engagement Management Plan. The mechanisms utilised include:

Community newsletters and information sheets via letter box drops;

Door knocks;

Media releases and other media activities;

Community notice boards;

Community perception surveys and

The ‘Regulatory Information’ webpage on the South32 website;

Stakeholder group presentations and information sessions; and

Community Information days.

Illawarra Coal directly manages the following stakeholder committees and working groups:

Illawarra Coal Community Consultative Committee;

Douglas Park Advisory Panel; and

Illawarra Coal Community Partnerships Program Board.

Illawarra Coal is also represented at other stakeholder committees in the area of the Bulli Seam Operations, including the Appin Chamber of Commerce.

Table 38 provides a summary of the information presented to the Illawarra Coal Community Consultative Committee during the reporting period.

Table 38: Summary of Information Presented to the Illawarra Coal Community Consultative Committee during the Reporting Period. Month Presentation

July 2015 Discussed the following: Illawarra Coal update on mining operations. Impacts to Georges river


Table 38: Summary of Information Presented to the Illawarra Coal Community Consultative Committee during the Reporting Period. Month Presentation

from Longwall 38. Property inspection for Area 9 and Area 7. Damage to boreholes and

community complaints to date.

September 2015 Discussed the following: Illawarra Coal update on mining operations. Impacts to George’s river

from Longwall 38. Property inspection for Area 9 and Area 7. Damage to private property. Vent

Shaft 6 update. Mine Safety Gas Management and community complaints to date.

November 2015 Discussed the following: Illawarra Coal update on mining operations. Impacts to George’s river

from Longwall 38. Mine Safety Gas Management and community complaints to date.

Community investment.

February 2016 Discussed the following: Illawarra Coal update on mining operations. Impacts to George’s river.

Property inspection for Area 9 and Area 7. Damage to private property. Vent Shaft 6 update.

Mine Safety Gas Management and community complaints to date. Community investment.

March 2016 Discussed the following: Illawarra Coal update on mining operations. Impacts to George’s river

from Longwall 38. Impacts to Nepean River (gas bubbling) Property inspection for Area 9 and

Area 7. Damage to private property. Vent Shaft 6 update. Mine Safety Gas Management and

community complaints to date. Community investment.

ay 2016 Discussed the following: Illawarra Coal update on mining operations. Impacts to George’s river

from Longwall 38. Impacts to Nepean River (gas bubbling) Property inspection for Area 9 and

Area 7. Damage to private property. Vent Shaft 6 update. Mine Safety Gas Management and

community complaints to date. Community investment.

The minutes of community meetings are made available to the public primarily in two ways: placed (as ‘draft’) on the South32 “Regulatory Information” webpage; and distributed via email to a stakeholder notification list (meeting minutes are emailed directly to persons who have expressed an interest to receive a copy).

9.3. DOUGLAS PARK ADVISORY PANEL

A purpose-formed community representative group, the Douglas Park Advisory Panel, was established by Illawarra Coal in April 2010 to provide input to the preparation of the Ventilation Shaft No. 6 Environmental Assessment. Since approval and commencement of construction, meetings have continued with other local issues discussed including Mine Safety Gas Drainage. The Douglas Park Advisory Panel operates under agreed Terms of Reference and is facilitated by Illawarra Coal. The Panel comprises 10 representatives of the Douglas Park Township.

The table below provides a summary of the information presented to the Douglas Park Advisory Panel during the reporting period.

Table 39: Douglas Park Advisory Panel Meetings – 2015/16. Month Presentation

August 2015 Discussed the following: Ventilation 6 update, Update on Illawarra coal mining operations, rail

mitigation work, property inspections, Built Feature Management plans, Mine Safety Gas

Management update and community investment.

October 2015 Discussed the following: Ventilation 6 update, Update on Illawarra coal mining operations, rail




December 2015 Discussed the following: Ventilation 6 update, Update on Illawarra coal mining operations, rail



February 2016 Discussed the following: Ventilation 6 update, Update on Illawarra coal mining operations, rail

mitigation work, property inspections, Environmental impacts (gas bubbling), Built Feature

Management plans, Mine Safety Gas Management update and community investment.

April 2016 Discussed the following: Ventilation 6 update, Update on Illawarra coal mining operations,

Environmental impacts, rail mitigation work, property inspections, Built Feature Management

plans, Mine Safety Gas Management update and community investment.

During the reporting period, members of the Douglas Park Advisory Panel were also kept informed of operational matters relating to Douglas Park through email updates.

9.4. COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM

Illawarra Coal has an overriding commitment to supporting the communities in which we operate. As part of this commitment, the Company established the Illawarra Coal Community Partnerships Program (CPP) to provide support for community projects and initiatives in the regions surrounding the Bulli Seam operations.

Since being established in 2004, the program has provided support to a range of community groups and not-for-profit organisations.

The CPP is funded by three cents per saleable tonne of coal from Illawarra Coal’s Bulli Seam operations. The program is administered by a board of community and Illawarra Coal representatives, which ensures community-based decision making on the allocation of funds.

During the past 12 months the Board has committed over $100,000 for community projects in the local Wollondilly area.

Some local not-for-profit groups to benefit from program funding in 2015/16 included:

Lifeline Macarthur (Telephone Crisis Support Training Course)

Our Lady Help of Christians Parish School P&C Association – Playground Upgrade

Douglas Park Reserve Sportsground and Community Management Committee – Douglas Park Reserve Terrace

Douglas Park Netball Club – Storage facilities

Wilton Reserve and Community Hall Committee (WRCHC) – Community Centre Hall Extension

Campbelltown Uniting Care (Focus on New Families Program in Appin, Wilton and Douglas Park)

The CPP Board continued its support for Life Education with funding to Appin, Douglas Park and Wilton Public Schools to enable children to visit the Life Education mobile learning centre. Life Education aims to empower the young to make the best choices for a safe life, through leading drug and health education programs. Illawarra Coal has supported Life Education in the Wollondilly area since 2008.


9.5. CAMP QUALITY CONVOY

For the eleventh consecutive year, Illawarra Coal has helped raise money for children with cancer and launch another successful i98FM Camp Quality Convoy for Kids. Held in November 2015, West Cliff’s access road became the muster ground and starting point for the Convoy and the mine’s external truck movements were stopped for approximately five hours to avoid heavy traffic travelling in opposite directions on the mine access road. More than 800 trucks and 1,000 motorbikes participated in the Convoy which is organised by local radio station i98FM, to raise funds for Camp Quality Illawarra, which helps provide access to a variety of activities and resources to help brighten the lives of kids living with cancer and their families in the local regions.

Over $1.7 million was raised during the 2015 Convoy, with over $6 million raised since the inaugural event in 2005.

9.6. COMPLAINTS/ENQUIRIES MANAGEMENT

Illawarra Coal maintains a 24 hour Community Call Line (freecall 1800 102 210) and a general email address [email protected]. These avenues are promoted as the primary point of contact throughout Illawarra Coal’s suite of communications for persons who seek to lodge a complaint or make a general enquiry.

Complaints and enquiries are recorded in an internal event reporting system, and processes in place ensure the complaint / enquiry is responded to and actioned. Complaints, and its resolution, are reported on the South32 website each month in the Community Complaints Report.

All complaints recorded during the reporting period are attached as Appendix C: FY2016 Complaints.


10. INDEPENDENT AUDIT The Illawarra Coal Environmental Management System was certified to the International Standard ISO14001 in May 2003.

The Appin East (Central) and West sites, West Cliff (Appin North) Colliery and the West Cliff (Appin North) CPP are included in Illawarra Coal’s schedule of certified ISO 14001:2004 sites. Each of these operational sites, as well as the Emplacement Area has been regularly audited for compliance against this Standard.

KPMG undertook a reasonable assurance audit for NGER (National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting) for the reporting period.

The audits/management reviews undertaken during the reporting period are provided in Table 40.

Table 40: Environmental Audits Undertaken During reporting Period Date Type Internal External Comments

Dec 2015 Annual ISO14001 x Recertified

Ongoing Management plan governance

checks (Internal EMS audits) x

The auditing process requires demonstration of adequacy of systems to manage environmental aspects and impacts related to site activities. The systems audited include legal compliance, document control, records, corrective action, monitoring and control, training and management of risks.

An Independent Environmental Audit of the BSO is undertaken every three years. The next Audit is planned for late 2016.


11. INCIDENTS AND NON-COMPLIANCES DURING THE REPORTING PERIOD

There were no reportable incidents during the reporting period.

Please refer to the following reports for compliance information:

Appendix B: 2015/16 EPA Annual Return for details of non-compliances against EPL2504.

Appendix D: BSO EPBC Approval 2010/5350 Compliance Report; and

Appendix E: BSO Consent Compliance Report and Summary of Non-compliances


12.1. MINE OPERATIONS

During the next reporting period underground operations will continue in Area 7 and Area 9.

12.2. PROJECTS

The Appin West Water Filtration Plant will continue to be upgraded with expected completion mid - late 2017.

12.3. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

The next reporting period will have the following activities:

Completion of the Appin West Water Filtration Plant upgrade (as stated above);

Completion of PRP19 improvement projects (refer to section 17.3 of this report)

Post-fire monitoring for Persoonia hirsuta seedlings in the Offset area at West Cliff (Appin North)

Completion of 5 year Persoonia hirsuta Research Program; and

An Independent Environmental Audit for the BSO.

12. ACTIVITIES TO BE COMPLETED IN THE NEXT REPORTING PERIOD


13. REFERENCES Illawarra Coal, Bulli Seam Operations Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Management Plan

Illawarra Coal, Bulli Seam Operations Environmental Management Strategy

Illawarra Coal, BSO Mining Operations Plan – October 2012 – September 2019

Illawarra Coal, West Cliff Stockpile and Slope Stability Management Plan.

Illawarra Coal, BSO Water Management Plan.

Illawarra Coal, West Cliff Coal Wash Emplacement Area Management Plan.

Illawarra Coal, BSO Waste Management Plan.

NSW Department of Planning & Environment (2015). Annual Review Guideline, Post approval requirements for State Significant Developments, October 2015.

NSW EPA (2016), Environment Protection Licence No.2504.


14. PLANS PLAN 1 - REGIONAL LOCATION PLAN



PLAN 2 - APPIN EAST (CENTRAL) MINE SITE



PLAN 3 – APPIN WEST MINE SITE



PLAN 4 – NO.1 & NO.2 SHAFT SITE



PLAN 5 – NO.3 SHAFT SITE



PLAN 6 – NO.6 SHAFT SITE



PLAN 7 – DOUGLAS NORTH SUBSTATION



PLAN 8 – WEST CLIFF SOUTH SITE



PLAN 9 – WEST CLIFF NORTH SIDE



PLAN 10 – NORTH CLIFF SITE



PLAN 11 – EXPLORATION FOR THE PERIOD



PLAN 12 – LAND PREPARATION PLAN


PLAN 13 – WEST CLIFF EMPLACEMENT CULTURAL HERITAGE SITES


PLAN 14 – MINE EXTRACTION PLAN



APPENDICES APPENDIX A: ANNUAL REHABILITATION REPORT

Contents

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 2 Requirement for Monitoring .......................................................................................................... 2 Purpose of this report ................................................................................................................... 3

Survey Design................................................................................................................................. 4 Aim ............................................................................................................................................... 4 Key Performance Criteria ............................................................................................................. 4 Methods ....................................................................................................................................... 4

Results and discussion ................................................................................................................... 7 Biometric Vegetation Assessment ................................................................................................ 7 Photo-Point monitoring ............................................................................................................... 12 Threatened Plant Random Meander ........................................................................................... 12 Fauna ......................................................................................................................................... 12

Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 13

MONITORING

REPORT -

EMPLACEMENT

REHABILITATION

YEAR 5

Illawarra Coal, February 2015

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INTRODUCTION REQUIREMENT FOR MONITORING

Stage 3 Consent The development consent for the Stage 3 Emplacement at West Cliff Colliery Emplacement required Illawarra Coal (IC) to implement a formal monitoring program for all past, present and future emplacement rehabilitation activity on the site. The Stage 3 consent was replaced by the Bulli Seam Operations (BSO) Part 3A and EPBC Act approvals in 2011.

BSO Part 3A and EPBC Act Approvals IC received Project Approval for current and proposed operations within the BSO for the next 30 years from the:

• NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DOPE) under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in December 2011; and

• Department of the Environment (DOTE) under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 in May 2012.

Both contain conditions relating to the emplacement operations as summarised below:

Table 1: Condition requirements of the EPBC and Part 3a approvals relating to emplacement rehabilitation

BSO Project Approval Condition 17 EPBC Project Approval Clause 6: The Proponent shall prepare and implement a West Cliff Emplacement Area Management Plan for the project to the satisfaction of the Director-General. This plan must be prepared in consultation with OEH and be submitted to the Director-General for approval by the end of June 2013.This plan must include: a) detailed design plans which include options for reducing, avoiding and/or managing impacts on Aboriginal heritage sites in and adjacent to the south-western fringe of the proposed Stage 4 footprint (including sites: 52-2-2228/3617, 52-2-1373, 52-2-3533/3613 and 52-2-3506 (b) management strategies to ensure no impacts to Aboriginal heritage site 52-2-3505 other than negligible impacts, including consideration of potential staged development of the emplacement and/or buffer areas; (c) management strategies for the protection and conservation of Persoonia hirsuta; (d) management strategies for the protection and conservation of the Broad-headed Snake and the Southern Brown Bandicoot; (e) a comprehensive groundwater monitoring program for the Brennans Creek valley, including the area of the emplacement; (f) provide for progressive rehabilitation of the emplacement area, including through: - maximising opportunities for natural regeneration; - maximising retention of suitable habitat species; - appropriate weed and pest control strategies; and - planting only endemic species in habitat mixes appropriate for soil, slope and aspect.

The person taking the action must provide a Coal Wash Emplacement Staging and Rehabilitation Plan (the Staging Plan) for the stage 4 coal wash emplacement area to the Minister for approval. Clearing of vegetation for stage 4 coal wash area must not occur until the Staging Plan has been approved by the Minister. The Staging Plan must include, but not be limited to: Measures to limit the clearing of native vegetation to no more than 60 hectares; Provision for the progressive staging of coal wash emplacement to ensure at all times a minimum 100 m wide habitat corridor is maintained linking the Persoonia hirsuta core population with habitat adjacent to the Stage 4 coal wash emplacement area; Measures to ensure that, if the corridor is to include land previously used as emplacement areas (either in whole or part), native re-vegetation is established to the extent that it facilitates the movement of pollination vectors for Persoonia hirsuta; Staging of emplacement from east to west; Provision for progressive rehabilitation of the emplacement area, including through: Staged clearing of native vegetation within the stage 4 coal wash emplacement area; Maximising opportunities for natural regeneration, including through salvage, storage and re-use of site top soil and maximising the retention time of suitable habitat species within the stage 4 coal wash emplacement area adjacent to active emplacement areas to assist re-colonisation of native species to rehabilitated areas; Key performance objectives for site rehabilitation, including indicative timelines, performance measures, management actions and responsibilities and accountabilities; Planting only endemic species in habitat mixes appropriate for the local surrounding environment, soil, slope and aspect, in accordance with relevant published guidelines; and Appropriate weed and pest control strategies. Monitoring and rehabilitation actions including but not limited to, measures to assess the success of management actions, natural regeneration and revegetation. The reporting of monitoring results must be submitted to the department within 30 days of every 12 month anniversary of the implementation date of the Staging Plan; and Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Minister, the Staging Plan must be implemented and remain implemented for a minimum period of 10 years at which point a revised plan taking into account the monitoring referred to above must be submitted to and approved by the Minister.

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Emplacement Management Plan The BSO Emplacement Area Management Plan was approved on 25th July 2014 by DOPE.

The rehabilitation monitoring commitments outlined in this plan are as follows:

Table 2: Monitoring requirements from the Coal Wash Emplacement Area Management Plan

Type Who Frequency Aspects monitoring Output Quarterly Inspection

Site Environmental Representative

Quarterly Photographic records at pre-determined sites located within the rehabilitated area of the emplacement.

Report (internal) and photographic database. Results summarised in the BSO AEMR.

Annual Inspection

Qualified ecologists or suitably trained site environmental representative

Annual Fixed photo points throughout the emplacement. Quadrat monitoring in rehabilitation and surrounding areas Random meander transects (every two years) in rehabilitated areas Materials Characterisation (as required)

Report (internal) Outcomes from monitoring summarised in the BSO AEMR Report appended to the BSO AEMR.

PURPOSE OF THIS REPORT

The purpose of this report is to provide the results of the spring 2015 survey for the emplacement rehabilitation works.

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SURVEY DESIGN AIM

To measure, over time, the success of the rehabilitation of the Emplacement Area, particularly the regeneration of natural vegetation and placement of specific habitat features including rocks and logs.

This will be achieved through monitoring of biometric attributes, fixed photo points and threatened plant meander surveys as well as measuring the presence/absence of fauna within the various rehabilitation sites of varying age.

KEY PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

The monitoring program is designed to monitor the success of the following criteria:

1. Adequate regeneration of translocated communities: Exposed Sandstone Scribbly Gum Woodland (ESSW) and Sandstone Gully Peppermint Forest (SGPF). Regeneration to reflect the composition and structure of the two communities.

i. Biometric attributes within local benchmarks

ii. no more than 20 percent weed cover in translocated compartments;

2. The degree to which fauna (native) use the rehabilitated emplacement including constructed habitats and nest boxes.

METHODS

Biometric Vegetation Assessment This assessment utilises the BioBanking Assessment Methodology as outlined in the BioBanking Assessment Methodology and Credit Calculator Operational Manual (OEH 2014). This methodology is used as it is a ready-made vegetation condition assessment, incorporating parameters (known as ‘site attributes’) that reflect changes in condition over time against benchmarks. Furthermore, the methodology allows for the calculation of local benchmark data, thereby providing a more accurate picture of the condition of the suitable vegetation types locally. In summary, the system is a vegetation condition assessment predicated on the basis of a comparison of site attributes against benchmarks for those attributes within the relevant vegetation types. Local benchmark data can be collected to reflect local conditions.

Vegetation plots (50 x 20 metres) were established within each of the monitoring zones and data for the following site attributes was collected:

• Native Plant Species Richness;

• Native Overstorey Cover;

• Native Midstorey Cover;

• Native Groundcover (Grasses);

• Native Groundcover (Shrubs);

• Native Groundcover (Other);

• Exotic Plant Cover;

• Total Length of Fallen Logs.

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Control Sites Six locations were chosen as control sites (Plan A: Monitoring plot locations). Monitoring the controls sites will:

Allow the measurement of the success of soil translocation within the Emplacement through the comparison of a range of site condition attributes with local benchmark conditions;

• Provide long term data regarding the condition of local vegetation types and the targets for rehabilitation; and

• Account for any stochastic variability within the local ecosystems (e.g., bushfire, climate, etc.) and allow for the consideration of such variability in relation to the outcomes on the site.

The six locations chosen as control sites were stratified evenly (three of each) between the two locally dominant vegetation types; ESSW and SGPF.

Monitoring Sites Stratification of the monitoring sites, within the Emplacement, occurred according to their treatment histories, age and the respective areas they occupied in hectares. Accordingly, 11 monitoring sites were chosen across three different treatment types in 2011. This has been expanded to 15 plots across four separate treatments in 2014 (Plan A: Monitoring plot locations & Plan B: Emplacement Plot Locations). Monitoring sites are listed in Table 3: Monitoring site locations Table 3: Monitoring site locations

SiteSite Easting Northing Emplacment Stage a1-228 299842 6210193 1 a1-230 299758 6210171 a1-232 299857 6210092 a2a-237 299578 6210253 2a a2a-239 299649 6210350 a2a-240 299509 6210386 a2b-241 299515 6210493 2b a2b-242 299322 6210565 a2b-243 299136 6210510 a2b-244 299093 6210408 a2b-245 299388 6210627 a2c-042 299259 6210803 2c a2c-043 299223 6210746 a2d-001 298798 6210768 2d a2d-002 298848 6210678 Local Benchmarks Local benchmark data was collected at six control sites. The BioBanking Local Benchmark Calculator is then used to calculate the benchmark levels and the range of values for each of the collected attributes. The control sites were nominated on the basis of Revised Biometric Vegetation Types (RBVTs as defined by OEH in the Biometric Vegetation Types Database) as either the Red Bloodwood – Scribbly-Gum Heathy Woodland RBVT or the Sydney peppermint – Smooth-Barked Apple – Red Bloodwood Shrubby Open Forest RBVT of the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority (CMA). It was considered that the Emplacement was likely to regenerate to a state that was an artificial combination of both of these RBVTs and therefore no attempt has been made to stratify the survey on the basis of these types.

Table 2 below shows the local benchmark values for each of the biometric attributes utilising data from the control sites collected in 2010, 2012 and 2014. Data from these years was used as the Local Benchmark. The data was entered into the Local Benchmark Calculator. The calculator only allows entry of up to 20 plots and, as 30 control sites exist (five years of six plots), only data from three years could be used (i.e., 18 plots). An average of the data from these two monitoring season was utilised in this report.

6

Table 4: Local benchmarks

Attribute Benchmarks (2014) Lower Upper Native Plant Species - >= 49 Native Overstorey Cover 5.0 22.3 Native Midstorey Cover 1.2 21.2 Native Ground Cover (Grasses) 0.0 39.0 Native Ground Cover (Shrubs) 14.8 72.0 Native Ground Cover (Other) 13.4 62.6 Number of Trees with Hollows* - >= 2 Total Length of Fallen Logs - >= 26 * Included here for completeness only. As discussed above, trees with hollows are unlikely to develop within the life of the project.

Photo Point Vegetation Monitoring Permanent photographic points have been established at each of the biometric vegetation plots.

Threatened Plant Random Meander A random meander for threatened plants (Cropper 1993) is conducted through the Emplacement. This method is the most appropriate and accurate for the purposes of the monitoring survey. Two people, approximately 10 metres apart, traverse the Emplacement. Targeted species included those known to exist locally (some within the West Cliff Colliery surface lease-area) and include; Acacia bynoeana, Epacris purpurascens var. purpurascens, Grevillea parviflora ssp. parviflora, Melaleuca deanei, Persoonia hirsuta, Persoonia nutans and Pultenaea aristata.

Fauna Using Camera Traps Camera traps are becoming the preferred survey method over traditional cage traps or hair tubes as they are more efficient and less labor intensive, and non-invasive. The method is well documented for monitoring small to medium sized mammals. Some useful resources are Eyre et al (2012) and Meek et al. (2012).

Camera traps will be deployed to the rehabilitating areas, using a passive survey approach (i.e. non baited). The sites will target specific habitat features i.e. logs, log hollows and rock crevases/overhangs to determine occupation – As a general rule, minimum 1 trap per rehabilitation compartment. Refer to Figure 3 for current trap locations.

Camera will be Infra-red type. Cameras should be placed to aim the lens at the core body zone of the animal. The camera should be placed approx. 20-30cm above the ground and distance from the feature should be no more than 2-3m (Meek et al. 2012).

A measurement of scale should be placed in the background (30cm ruler, steel pole or other aid).

The recommended minimum deployment time is 12 nights (Meek et al. 2012 and Paull et al. 2011).

Timing Biometric assessments are required annually, starting at 1 year after translocation.

Surveys at control sites only required once every three years and the benchmarks as presented in this report remain so for the ensuing three year period.

Photo point monitoring is required annually and done in conjunction with the above.

Meanders for threatened plants are undertaken every three years.

Fauna monitoring using camera traps is required annually, starting 5 years after translocation or as deemed appropriate depending on the maturity of the revegetation.

7

Criteria can be measured most easily in spring by noting flowering, seed production, seedling growth and establishment.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION BIOMETRIC VEGETATION ASSESSMENT

Native Plant Species Richness The local benchmark for Native Plant Species Richness is >= 49 species per plot.

Figure 1 Number of native plant species at the monitoring plots for rehabilitation areas 1, 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d for 2015.

The plots in Area 1 had low species richness in comparison to benchmark; however this was also the case in previous years (2011 to 2014) and is a stable result. This is due to the differing nature of the methodology used in comparison to stage 2 i.e. Stage 1 has shallower topsoil and planted with tube stock (Predominantly Acacia’s and Eucalypts).

The plots in Area 2a had an average of 53 species per plot which is a decrease from the previous year’s average of 64 species. Rehabilitation in this area commenced in 2007 and it is expected that species richness will approach benchmark certain species thrive and out compete others.

The plots in Area 2b had an average of 50 species per plot which is the same as the previous year. The average remains above benchmark.

The newly treated areas of 2c and 2d (last three years) show results approaching benchmark levels. It is expected that these species richness figures will increase at these locations as the treatments establish.

The high native species richness present in Area 2 may be a reflection of the immaturity of the translocation areas, in that it shows that no particular species has had time to establish dominance and out-compete other species. It is expected that these sites in Area 2 will see a decline in species diversity over time and approach benchmark levels as certain species thrive and out compete others for resources and space (Niche 2014).

Native Overstorey Cover

Local benchmark for Native Overstorey Cover is 5.0 – 22.3 percent foliage cover. The areas subject to rehabilitation within the study area are too immature to have recorded native overstorey as cover, despite all dominant overstorey species being recorded within the monitoring plots. All canopy species within the plots were present only as shrubs or sub-shrubs and were considered a component of the midstorey or

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Native Plant Species

Benchmark

8

groundcover (shrubs < 1 metre). As a consequence, none of the sites are within the benchmark range for Native Overstorey Cover. As the translocation areas establish and mature it is expected that Native Overstorey Cover will increase and approach benchmark levels.

Native Midstorey Cover The local benchmark for Native Midstorey Cover is 1.2 – 21.2 percent foliage cover.

Figure 2 Native Midstorey Cover collected at the monitoring plots for rehabilitation areas 1, 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d for 2015.

All treatment areas other than one plot in A2c demonstrated within or above benchmark values for native mid-storey cover. The newer plots in A2c and A2d have demonstrated an increase in native mid-storey cover from 2014, whilst there have been some minor decreases at A1 and A2. The increases can be explained by maturity of some species whose natural life form is now above one metre (i.e., shrubs that were less than one metre in 2014 are now large shrubs or small trees over one metre). The decreases are likely natural attrition and the values are still within or above benchmark values and so are not considered significant changes. It is likely that mid-storey cover in A2c and A2d further in coming years as the rehabilitation areas mature.

Native Ground Cover (Shrubs) The local benchmark for Native Groundcover (Shrubs), i.e., woody plants < 1 metre: 14.8 – 72.0 per cent.

0

5

10

15

20

25

Native Midstorey Cover

Lower Benchmark

Upper Benchmark

9

Figure 3 Native ground cover – Shrubs at the monitoring plots for rehabilitation areas 1, 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d for 2015.

All plots, other than those in A1 and also A2b-245, are clearly within the benchmark range for the attribute. The low ground cover in A1 may be as a result of the fact that the bulk of the species within this treatment are either canopy or small trees and the shrub layer has become mid-storey (i.e., greater than one metre) over time. Native Ground Cover (Grasses) The local benchmark for Native Groundcover (Grasses) is 0.0 – 39.0 per cent. Grass cover is naturally very low in the control sites, as Sydney Coastal Dry Sclerophyll Forests, hence the low and broad benchmark range for the attribute.

Figure 4 Native ground cover – Grasses at the monitoring plots for rehabilitation areas 1, 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d for 2015.

Given that zero (0) is the lower benchmark for Native Groundcover (Grasses), all treatments are within benchmark for this attribute. This is entirely reasonable given that the translocated soils are from Sydney Coastal Dry Sclerophyll Forests which are naturally higher in cover for herbs and forbs than grass cover. Grass cover also requires an open environment and since most of the treatments have resulted in a relatively dense mid-storey and shrub layer, native grass is difficult to establish. Percent cover of native grasses is not necessarily indicative of ecosystem health in Sydney Coastal Dry Sclerophyll Forests and the attribute is within benchmark in all treatment areas.

01020304050607080

Native Ground Cover (Shrubs)

Lower Benchmark

Upper Benchmark

05

1015202530354045

Native Ground Cover (Grasses)

Lower Benchmark

Upper Benchmark

10

Native Ground cover (Other) The local benchmark for Native Groundcover (Other), i.e., herbs and forbs other than grasses is13.4 – 62.6 per cent.

Figure 5: Native ground cover – Other at the monitoring plots for rehabilitation areas 1, 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d for 2015.

Area 1 continues to experience low levels in Native Groundcover (Other), which along with low native grass cover appears symptomatic of the treatment history and the subsequent density of the shrub and mid-storey layers. Areas 2a and 2b are largely within benchmark for Native Groundcover (Other), however significantly lower at plot site A2a-243. It is highly likely that this is a result of an increased shrub and mid-storey cover. As expected, treatment areas 2c and 2d have shown a significant increase in Native Groundcover (Other) to within or near benchmark levels in the last 12 months.

Exotic Plant Cover There is no local benchmark for exotic plant cover. Whilst it is assumed that there would 0 – 5% exotic plant cover within the control plots, a target of <20% has been chosen for all rehabilitation areas.

Figure 6 exotic plant cover at the monitoring plots for rehabilitation areas 1, 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d for 2015.

010203040506070

Native Ground Cover (Other)

Lower Benchmark

Upper Benchmark

05

101520253035

Exotic Plant Cover

Lower Benchmark

Upper Benchmark

11

The majority of sites fall below the target of 20% exotic plant cover with the exception of one plot in A1a, A2a and A2d. The dominant weeds in these areas include Eragrostis curvula (African lovegrass), Andropogon virginicus (whisky grass), Conyza bonariensis (Fleabane), and Hypochaeris radicata. Pennisetum clandestinum (Kikuyu), Cortaderia selloana (Pampas grass) and Cynodon dactylon (common couch) are all exotic perennial grasses that have dominated localised patches within the Emplacement and also require management.

Length of Fallen logs The local benchmark for Length of Fallen Logs is >= 26 metres within the 20 x 50 metre plot.

Figure 7length of fallen logs within all plots

All plots and areas have substantial log length, well above the benchmark levels. This was due to the targeted movement of this material along with the soil translocation. These figures are not expected to change dramatically over time, however the graph below serves to demonstrate that an adequate amount of logs have been moved with the translocation. Given the limitations on the amount of logs available to the Emplacement as a resource, the current on-site strategy for log placement has been substantially reduced and will still meet benchmark levels. Biobanking Scores Biobanking scores are calculated every 3 years. The last calculation was undertaken in 2014.

At the time Six BioBanking scenarios were run through the BioBanking Credit Calculator (2014 on-line version) using the data collected from the monitoring sites from 2011 and 2014. These scenarios were comprised of one scenario for each of the treatment areas assuming that the sites would regenerate to either the Red Bloodwood – Scribbly-Gum Heathy Woodland BVT (ME014) or the Sydney peppermint – Smooth-Barked Apple – Red Bloodwood Shrubby Open Forest BVT (ME029). The scenarios were run only as an indication of the ecosystem credits generated by the current management regime. Species credits were not included in the calculations. The ecosystem credits generated are used here only as an index and are not for the purposes of creating a BioBank Site.

Ecosystem credit calculations for each of the three main treatment areas, for which BioMetric attribute data exists in both 2011 and 2014 are shown in Table 5. Due to the limitations of the BCC, the scenarios presented in Table 3 assume that the treatment areas will regenerate to either ME014 (Bloodwood – Scribbly) or ME029 (Peppermint – Apple). Table 5 shows that an increase in ecosystem credits has occurred within each of the treatment areas, thus indicating stable if not improved condition overall. The only exception to this overall improvement is Area 2b assuming regeneration to ME014 (Bloodwood – Scribbly), which decreases from 77 to 68 credits. As an increase in ecosystem credits is shown for Area 2b assuming regeneration to ME029 (Peppermint – Apple), from 63 to 66 credits, the formerly mentioned decrease is

0

50

100

150

200

250

Length of Fallen Logs

Local Benchmark

12

likely a result of differences in benchmarks between ME014 (Bloodwood – Scribbly) and ME029 (Peppermint – Apple). The decrease will be monitored in future BCC scenarios – The next calculation will be in 2017.

Table 5 Results of biobanking credit calculations for 2011 and 2014 (From Niche 2015)

BVT Code BVT Treatment area Area (ha) Ecosystem Credits - 2011

Ecosystem Credits - 2014

ME014 Red Bloodwood – Scribbly-Gum Heathy Woodland

Area 1 9 26 46 Area 2a 7 25 33 Area 2b 12 77 68

ME029 Sydney peppermint – Smooth-Barked Apple – Red Bloodwood Shrubby Open Forest

Area 1 9 15 16 Area 2a 7 25 33 Area 2b 12 63 66

PHOTO-POINT MONITORING

Photo-point monitoring, illustrating the changes in vegetation cover at each of the monitoring sites at 2011 (previous monitoring report) and 2014, is provided in Appendix 1. In general, all treatment areas have a good cover of native vegetation as a response to translocation and/or direct-seeding.

THREATENED PLANT RANDOM MEANDER

Threatened plant meanders are undertaken every 3 years. The last meander was completed in 2014. At the time, Pultenaea aristata (12 individuals) and Persoonia hirsuta (one individual) were detected within the Emplacement during the surveys conducted in spring 2014. This is in addition to individuals recorded during the previous four monitoring events from 2010 to 2013. Pultenaea aristata is listed as vulnerable on the TSC and EPBC Acts, while Persoonia hirsuta is listed as endangered on both Acts. Pultenaea aristata has continued to have success in re-establishing to maturity within the Emplacement (refer to previous monitoring reports). The single mature individual of Persoonia hirsuta recorded in 2014 was located in Emplacement treatment area A2a, has reached maturity (flowering and fruiting) and has a stout stem with healthy foliage cover. This plant indicates that the species can germinate and survive to maturity in translocated soils. This is significant for the species locally, particularly given the focus of the BHPBIC recovery work being conducted by the University of Wollongong and the Royal Botanic Gardens (Mt Annan).

Threatened plant occurrences within the Emplacement will be regularly monitored by IC environmental staff.

FAUNA

Camera traps were deployed for 12 days across three sites in the mature rehabilitation areas (864 camera hours). Each trap targeted specific habitat features that were created during the rehabilitation process Figure 8). Site 1 is located in Stage 1 and consists of a large tree hollow. Site 2 is located in Stage 2 and consists of a small rock overhang; Site 3 is also located in Stage 2 and consists of an artificial pond.

Figure 8: Example of a camera site (Camera Trap site 1, emplacement Stage 1).

13

The cameras detected 5 native and 2 exotic species. The natives comprised of three mammals and one bird – A Common Wallaroo, Swamp Wallaby, Ringtail Possum, Brown Antichinus and a White-browed Scrubwren. The exotics comprised of a European Fox and a Cat.

Site 1 (Stage 1) was the most productive, with all 4 natives being detected. Site 2, detected only 1 species and site 3 the same.

Species Site Detected Detection Rate (number of hits/camera hours)

Common Wallaroo - Macropus Robusta

Site 1 0.03

Brown Antichnus - Antichinus Stuartii

Site 1 0.01

Common ringtail Possum – Pseudocheirus peregrinus

Site 1 & 2 0.002

White-browed Scrubwren - Sericornis frontalis

Site 1 0.01

Swamp Wallaby - Wallabia bicolor Site 2 0.002 Eurpoean Fox – Vulpes vulpes Site 1 0.002 Cat – Felix catus Site 2 0.01

CONCLUSION This report provides a description of the methodologies used and the outcomes achieved from the sixth season of monitoring the rehabilitation success in Stages 1 and 2 of the Emplacement. For the most part, the rehabilitation areas were within or above the local benchmarks for most of the biometric attributes. Treatment area 1 is in the poorest condition and fails to meet the benchmarks for most attributes even though this site was the most productive in terms of native wildlife captured by infra-red cameras. This is probably a reflection of the maturity of the vegetation in this area in comparison to Stage 2.

Weed incursion remains the key threat to the rehabilitation of the Emplacement. Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass) was observed as one of the dominant weeds throughout the monitoring program. It is likely to spread and out-crowd native plants if not treated.

Two threatened plant species, Pultenaea aristata and Persoonia hirsuta, were detected within the Emplacement during the 2014 survey and both species remain. The Persoonia hirsuta individual is considered a significant observation and will contribute to the understanding of the species’ capacity for regeneration within the rehabilitation areas.

This is the first season to have undertaken any formal fauna monitoring. The rehabilitation is clearly being utilized by some native species and this is expected to increase further as the rehabilitation matures.

14

PLAN A: MONITORING PLOT LOCATIONS

15

PLAN B: EMPLACEMENT PLOT LOCATIONS

16

APPENDIX 1: PHOTO POINT MONITORING

Plate 1: Site A1_228 (left 2010, right 2015)

Plate 2: Site A1_230 (left 2010, right 2015)

Plate 3: Site A1-232 (left 2011, right 2015)

Plate 4: A2a_237 (left 2010, right 2015)

17

Plate 5: Site A2a_239 (left 2010, right 2015)

Plate 6: Site A2a_240 (left 2010, right 2015)

Plate 7: Site A2b_244 (left 2010, right 2015)


18




Plate 12: Site A2c-042 (left 2012, right 2015)

19

Plate 13: A2c-043 (left 2012, right 2015)

Plate 14: A2d-001 (2015)

Plate 15: A2d-002 (2015)


APPENDIX B: 2015/16 EPA ANNUAL RETURN


APPENDIX C: FY2016 COMPLAINTS

BULLI SEAM OPERATIONS June 2016

COMPLAINTS REPORT

Bulli Seam Operations ‐ Community Complaints Report

Operation/Project Month Date Nature of Complaint Actions / Follow Up

April 2015 No complaints received

Processing & Logistics May 2015 12/05/2015 Driver complained about piece of coal or rock falling from truck causing damage to his bonnet and windscreen.

Determined truck was in vicinity at the time. Requested caller obtain 3 quotes.

Appin Mine May 2015 15/05/2015 Engine oil type odour being experienced. Determined odour experienced is due to the area currently being mined. Westerly winds contributing to the ability to detect the odour.

Ventilation Shaft 6 - Projects May 2015 19/05/2015 Resident complained about tractor type noise being experienced at their property at night from our activities.

Investigated and determined noise source from water treatment activities in pond located closest to residence. Decided that water treatment activities would not occur outside of daytime hours in that pond.

Ventilation Shaft 6 - Projects May 2015 27/05/2015 Resident complained about tractor type noise being experienced at their property in daytime from our activities.

Investigated and confirmed noise source from water treatment activities in pond located closest to residence. Undertook noise monitoring. Noise from operations well within limits. Agreed to operate that pump at lower throttle speed.

Ventilation Shaft 6- projects June 2015 1 June 2015 Resident complained about a banging noise coming from the site.

Incident reported to the Project Manager. Noise source investigated and rectified on site.

Ventilation Shaft 6- projects June 2015 25 June 2015 Resident complained about the tailgates of trucks banging and emitting a loud noise

Incident reported to Project Manager. Drivers have been asked to drive slow after tipping and not let the tailgate bang.

Ventilation Shaft 6 - Projects July 2015 15 July 2015 Resident complain about humming noise the fans at the Ventilation shaft

Advised resident the noise is during the start-up phase and would only last for the day.


Ventilation Shaft 6 - Projects July 2015 23 July 2015 Resident complained about tailgate slamming shut from coal wash delivery

Incident reported to Project Manager. Noise source investigated and rectified on site.

September 2015 No complaints received

October 2015 No complaints received

707 Bulgo November 2015 28/11/2015 Noise from 707 Bulgo Noise source investigated and rectified on site.

707 Bulgo November 2015 30/11/2015 Noise complaint from 707 Bulgo Noise source investigated and rectified on site

Ventilation Shaft 6 - Projects December 2015 1/12/2015 Complaint of dust emission at Vent Shaft 6. Incident reported to Project Manager. Dust

source investigated and actions implemented.

707 Bulgo December 2015 2/12/2015 Noise complaint from 707 Bulgo Noise reported to Project Manager and rectified

on site.

Ventilation Shaft 6 - Projects December 2015 4/12/2015 Light complaint from Vent Shaft site Event reported and light source identified and

work ceased immediately following the

complaint.

Appin Area 9 Projects December 2015 16/12/2015 Noise complaint from generator as part of Appin

Area 9 rail works

Event reported and investigated. Work using

generator ceased.


Appin Area 9 Projects December 2015 16/12/2015 Noise complaint from generator as part of Appin

Area 9 rail works

Event reported and investigated. Work using

generator ceased.

Appin Area 9 Projects - RP&D January 2016 13/01/2016 Resident complained about damage to personal

property

Event reported and investigated and corrected by

Project Manager.

Appin Area 9 Projects - RP&D January 2016 19/01/2016 Resident complained about damage to personal

property

Event reported and investigated and corrected by

Project Manager.

February 2016 No complaints received

Appin Area 9 Projects - RP&D March 2016 16/03/2016 Noise complaint from 707 Bulgo site Event reported to Project Manager. The noise

source ceased immediately following complaint.

Appin Area 9 Projects - RP&D March 2016 18/03/2016 Resident complained about gates being left open

on property

Event reported to Project Manager for

investigation. Mitigation controls have been put

in place to avoid a reoccurrence of this incident.

April 2016 No complaints made for the month

May 2016 No complaints made for the month


June 2016 No complaints made for the month


APPENDIX D: BSO EPBC APPROVAL 2010/5350 COMPLIANCE REPORT

1

Bulli Seam Operations Annual Compliance Report – August 2016 (EPBC 2010/5350) Date of submission: 11 August 2016

South32 Website Upload Request Date: 11 August 2016

Abbreviations:

DOE – Federal Department of the Environment

DOPE – NSW Department of Planning and the Environment

OEH – NSW Office of Environment and Heritage

CCL – Consolidated Coal Lease

UOW – University of Wollongong

EPBC – Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation

In accordance with condition 14 of the EPBC approval (2010/5350) within three months of every 12 month anniversary of the commencement of the action, the person taking the action must publish a report on their website addressing compliance with each of the conditions of this approval, including implementation of any management plans as specified in the conditions. Documentary evidence providing proof of the date of publication and non-compliance with any of the conditions of this approval must be provided to the department at the same time as the compliance report is published.

Condition Condition Summary Status Compliant Y/N 1 Persoonia Hirsuta

Provide proposed Persoonia hirsuta offset area for approval.

Proposed off-set area submitted to DOE in the Persoonia hirsuta Offset

Management Plan. Application submitted on 26 Nov 2013 to amend CCL724 via a

s238 Condition under the Mining Act 1992 to legally secure a Persoonia Offset

Area at West Cliff Mine as required by our Bulli Seam Operations EPBC Approval

(2010/5350). The Minister for Resources and Energy amended CCL 724 on 23

March 2014.

Yes

2 Persoonia Hirsuta

Develop a management plan for the Persoonia hirsuta offset area.

Persoonia management plan was submitted to DOE prior to the 31st December

2012 and approved on 22 November 2013 (ref 2013/10882). Plan has since been

reviewed and was approved in April 2016. Latest Plan is available on our website.

http://www.south32.net/getmedia/3d05a2ab-2694-4d0a-af4e-

Yes

http://www.south32.net/getmedia/3d05a2ab-2694-4d0a-af4e-dc194ce6ef24/South32Web

2

dc194ce6ef24/South32Web

3 Persoonia Hirsuta

Engage a suitably qualified expert to undertake targeted research

to inform conservation activities. Make research publicly available.

University of Wollongong have been engaged to conduct research. The ‘targeted’

research consists of a series of honours projects.

The following projects have been completed to date:

1. Honours project #1 titled The Demography and Habitat Characteristics

of the Endangered Persoonia hirsuta (submitted 2013)

2. Honours project #2 titled Conservation genetics of the rare and

endangered plant, Persoonia hirsuta (proteaceae) (submitted 2015)

UOW commenced a third project in November 2015 to build on the research

conducted under Project #2. This thesis will be titled Understanding the Mating

System and will be completed October 2016.

In addition, Mt Annan Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG) are undertaking trial

propagation using cuttings collected from the West Cliff and other populations. This

project is ongoing; one P. hirsuta has been successfully propagated vegetatively to

date. MT Annan RBG has also collected seed from the West Cliff population and

undertook seed viability tests.

Mt Annan RBG (in collaboration with Illawarra Coal and Centennial Coal) has been

granted ACARP funding to conduct research on seed germination biology and

alternative ex situ storage of Persoonia germplasm for restoration. This project will

address two main questions: 1) how to effectively propagate Persoonia species

(both rare and common) for mine rehabilitation work; and, 2) what are the most

appropriate ex situ conservation options to ensure restoration success. The project

commenced February 2015 and is expected to be completed in March 2017.

Yes

4 Shale/Sandstone Transition Forest

Conduct an ecological survey that demonstrates quality and extent

of proposed offset area.

Setup mechanism to protect the shale/sandstone transition forest

offset in perpetuity.

Ecological survey completed and submitted to DOE on the quality and extent of the

shale/sandstone transition forest.

IC submitted a request to extend time to secure the SSTF area for conservation.

Illawarra Coal submitted an application to establish a Biobank site across the SSTF

Offset area. A Bio- banking Assessment Report (BAR) was submitted to OEH in

late 2015. Illawarra Coal is currently working through the final stages of the Bio –

banking agreement with OEH to gazette the area under the bio-banking scheme in

perpetuity. This is expected to be completed by September 2016.

Yes

5 Shale/Sandstone Transition Forest Management plan completed and submitted to DOE and approved by DOE. Plan Yes

http://www.south32.net/getmedia/3d05a2ab-2694-4d0a-af4e-dc194ce6ef24/South32Web

3

Develop a management plan for shale/sandstone transition forest. is available on our website. http://www.south32.net/getmedia/1a46f0b7-4d45-4249-

b540-2b7905a7b1ff/South32Web

During the 2015 period, Illawarra coal undertook ecological surveys to support the

Bio-banking Assessment Report which was submitted to OEH to secure the offset

in perpetuity and support the ongoing conservation management through the NSW

Bio-banking scheme. It is anticipated that this agreement will change the current

Plan for Management of the area. Once the agreement is finalised, Illawarra Coal

will submit evidence of agreement and the Bio-banking Management Plan to The

Department.

6 Coal Wash Emplacement Staging and Rehabilitation Plan

Develop a Coal Wash Emplacement Staging and

Rehabilitation Plan for stage 4 coal wash emplacement area.

Emplacement management plan incorporates staging and rehabilitation for stage 4

coal wash emplacement area. Plan submitted 30th June 2013. Plan revised

following feedback from OEH and DOPE; Plan re-submitted to DOPE and

approved on 25 July 2014.. Plan re-submitted to DOE for subsequent approval on

28 July 2014. Still awaiting approval from DOE. Plan is currently under review by

South32 - Revised Plan will be re-submitted for approval in 2016.

Yes

7 Southern Brown Bandicoot and Broad Headed Snake

Management Plan or Plans

Develop a Southern Brown Bandicoot and Broad Headed

Snake conservation management plan or plans.

Draft Plans completed and submitted to DOE on the 15th May 2013.

Plans revised following comments from DOE and OEH. Final Plans re-submitted to

DOE and OEH on 29 April 2014. Plans approved on the 28 May 2014. Plans are

available on our website.

SBB - http://www.south32.net/getmedia/f28c8dce-799d-452d-ac2a-

068dc51c0a0d/South32Web

BHS - http://www.south32.net/getmedia/24df3027-ee85-4ec0-88e8-

2a922361370e/South32Web

Both Plans are currently under review by South32 - Revised Plans will be re-

submitted for approval in 2016.

Yes

8 Surface and Ground Water Quality Monitoring and Adaptive

Management Plan

Develop a Surface and Ground Water Quality

Monitoring and Adaptive Management Plan for species listed in the

EPBC Act.

Draft Plan completed and submitted on the 30th September 2012 to DOE. Plan

revised following comments from DOE. Final Plan approved on 3 July 2014.

http://www.south32.net/getmedia/4acb4c95-fc41-46e8-95e3-

5ebe291d5434/South32Web

Plan is currently under review by South32 - Revised Plan will be re-submitted for

approval in 2016.

Yes

9 Mine Closure Environmental Management Plan Current mining plan is for next 30 years, therefore plan not required. Yes

http://www.south32.net/getmedia/1a46f0b7-4d45-4249-b540-2b7905a7b1ff/South32Web

http://www.south32.net/getmedia/1a46f0b7-4d45-4249-b540-2b7905a7b1ff/South32Web

http://www.south32.net/getmedia/f28c8dce-799d-452d-ac2a-068dc51c0a0d/South32Web

http://www.south32.net/getmedia/f28c8dce-799d-452d-ac2a-068dc51c0a0d/South32Web

http://www.south32.net/getmedia/24df3027-ee85-4ec0-88e8-2a922361370e/South32Web

http://www.south32.net/getmedia/24df3027-ee85-4ec0-88e8-2a922361370e/South32Web

http://www.south32.net/getmedia/4acb4c95-fc41-46e8-95e3-5ebe291d5434/South32Web

http://www.south32.net/getmedia/4acb4c95-fc41-46e8-95e3-5ebe291d5434/South32Web

4

Develop a mine closure plan 3 years prior to closure for EPBC Act

listed species.

10 Mine Closure Environmental Management Plan

Management for EPBC listed bats through the decommissioning of

mining equipment.

Plan not yet submitted. To be submitted in the mine closure plan. Yes

11 Shapefiles

Provide offset area shapefiles to the DOE.

Shapefiles provided on 26 November 2013. Yes

12 Notification of Actual Date of Commencement

Notification date of commencement to be supplied to DSEWPaC.

Letter sent to DOE 31 May 2012. Yes

13 Publication Requirements

publish all management plans, reports, strategies or agreements

with DSEWPaC

Undertaken as required. See website. http://www.south32.net/our-

operations/australia/illawarra-coal/regulatory-document

Yes

14 Compliance Report

Publish a report on website addressing compliance with each of the

conditions of this approval.

This compliance report meets this condition.

The 2013 compliance report was submitted; however, the date was five days after

the due date required by the condition. This was found to be non-compliant due to

late submission of the compliance report.

The 2014 report was uploaded to the website on 15 August 2014.

The 2015 report was sent to the South32 corporate office on 15th Aug 2015 to

upload to the website.

Yes – See comments

regarding the 2013

report.

15 Accurate Records Must be Maintained

Maintain accurate records substantiating all activities associated

with or relevant to the conditions of approval.

Documents are maintained in the Illawarra Coal controlled document registers. Yes

16 Minister’s Approval of the Modification to a Management Plan,

Report, Strategy or Agreement

Apply to the minister for approval to modify management plans,

reports, strategies or agreements.

Undertaken as required.

Yes

17 Minister’s Modification to a Management Plan, Report, Strategy or

Agreement

Comply with the minister’s request to modify management plans,

reports, strategies or agreements.

No requests have been received from the minister. Yes

18 Independent Auditor

Commission and pay the full cost for independent environmental

Independent Environmental Audit was conducted by URS. The Audit commenced

December 2013 and was completed in February 2014; the report was provided to

Yes



5

auditor of the project. Illawarra Coal on 2nd April 2014.

A copy of the report was provided to DOE to satisfy Condition 18 (g).

EPBC condition (14) was found to be non-compliant due to late submission of the

2013 compliance report (5 days late).

This report is available on the South32 website.

http://www.south32.net/getmedia/3e98b0b5-dfb8-465f-b55a-

3ae743da1f31/South32Web

Next audit due Dec 2016.

19 Unsatisfactory Commencement of Action

If work is not commenced within 5 years of approval, written

approval needs to be obtained from the minister.

Work commenced 15th May 2012 as per date of commencement letter sent to

Department of the Environment.

Yes

http://www.south32.net/getmedia/3e98b0b5-dfb8-465f-b55a-3ae743da1f31/South32Web

http://www.south32.net/getmedia/3e98b0b5-dfb8-465f-b55a-3ae743da1f31/South32Web


APPENDIX E: BSO CONSENT COMPLIANCE REPORT AND SUMMARY OF NON-COMPLIANCES

Schedule 2 Administrative Conditions

Condition Condition Summary Status

Obligation to Minimise Harm to the Environment

Prevent and/or minimise any harm to the

environment.

Management Plans developed and implemented to minimise

harm to the environment.

Terms of Approval

Carry out projects in accordance with the EA,

Statement of Commitments, PPR and conditions of

this approval.

Management Plans and monitoring developed to meet EA,

Statement of Commitments, PPR and conditions of this

approval.

Terms of Approval

If there is any inconsistency between the above

documents, the more recent document shall prevail

to the extent of the inconsistency. However, the

conditions of this approval shall prevail to the extent

of any inconsistency.

Not triggered during the Reporting Period.

Terms of Approval

Comply with any reasonable requirement/s of the

Director-General arising from the Department’s

assessment of:

(a) any strategies, plans, programs, reviews, audits,

reports or correspondence that are submitted in

accordance with this approval; and

(b) The implementation of any actions or measures

contained in these documents.

Requirements from Director General included in the

Management Plans.

Limits on Approval – Mining Operations

Carry out mining operations on the site until 31

December 2041.

Not triggered during the Reporting Period.

Limits on Approval – Coal Extraction and

Production

Ensure that no more than 10.5 million tonnes of

ROM coal is extracted from the site in a financial

year, or transport more than 9.3 million tonnes of

product coal from the site in a financial year.

FY16 – ROM Coal – 6.1 MT. Appin Mine extracted 3.2 million

tonnes of ‘Run of Mine’

West Cliff Colliery extracted 2.9MT of ‘Run of Mine’

FY16 – Product Coal transported – 7.5MT

Limits on Approval – Hours of Operation

Undertake mining operations 24 hours a day, 7

days a week.

Mining operations are in accordance with hours of operation.

Surrender of Consents and Approval

Surrender all existing development consents and

project approvals for mining operations relied on by

the Proponent for the site (other than this approval)

Letters sent on 29 July 2014 to DoPE and 1 Aug 2014 to

WSC advising that Illawarra Coal Holdings Pty Ltd surrenders

all existing development consents and project approvals for

mining (including Wollondilly Shire Council approvals for: Shaft


in accordance with Sections 75YA and 104A of the

EP&A Act.

and Electrical Substation 22 January 1972; Appin Mine 22

February 1972; West Cliff Mine 17 April 1975; West Cliff

Extended 3 September 1986; Washing of Appin Coal at West

Cliff 25 March 1997) operations relied on by the Proponent for

the site (other than the Bulli Seam Operations Approval),

subject to and in accordance with the regulations.

Surrender of Consents and Approval

Prior to the surrender of these consents and/or

approvals, the conditions of this approval (including

any notes) shall prevail to the extent of any

inconsistency with the conditions of these consents

and/or approvals.

Conditions transferred to updated management plans.

Structural Adequacy

Ensure all new buildings and structures, and any

alterations or additions to existing buildings and

structure that are part of the project are constructed

in accordance with the relevant requirements of the

BCA and any additional requirements of the MSB

where the building or structure is located on land

within declared Mine Subsidence Districts.

New buildings and structures were project managed by the

engineering team to the relevant building codes.

Demolition

Ensure that all demolition work is carried out in

accordance with Australian Standard AS 2601-

2001: The Demolition of Structures, or its latest

version.

No demolition carried out in the reporting period.

Operation of Plant and Equipment

Ensure that all plant and equipment used at the site

is maintained in a proper and efficient condition and

is operated in a proper and efficient manner.

Operations are conducted in accordance with approved

management plans.

Daily, weekly and monthly inspections of plant, equipment and

site areas are conducted. This includes a number of system

generated maintenance work orders. Regular site

environmental inspections are undertaken to address

inspections for leaking machinery and equipment.

Mine machinery and equipment are maintained and serviced

accordingly.

Staged Submission of Strategies, Plans or

Programs

Submit any strategies, plans or programs required

by this approval on a progressive basis.

Management Plans submitted as required.


Schedule 3 – Specific Environmental Conditions – Underground Mining

Condition Condition Summary Status/Other Documents

1.

Subsidence – Performance Measures – Natural and Heritage

Features, etc.

Ensure that the project does not cause any exceedances.

For all observed impacts, the appropriate TARP’s

were applied, actions implemented and key

stakeholders notified as required by the approved

Subsidence Management Plan and Extraction Plan.

See Section 3.13.2 & 3.13.3 of this AEMR for

summary of the predicted vs observed impacts.

2.

Offsets

Provide a suitable offset to compensate for the impact or

environmental consequence.

Condition not triggered during Reporting Period.

3.

Performance Measures – Built Features

Ensure that the project does not cause any exceedances of

performance measure.







4.

Performance Measures – Built Features

Any dispute between the Proponent and the owner of any built

feature over the interpretation is to be settled by the Director-

General.







5.

Extraction Plans

Prepare and implement an Extraction Plan for first and second

workings within each longwall mining.

SMP’s and Extraction Plans prepared as required.

Approved plans are available on the regulatory

website. http://www.south32.net/our-

operations/australia/illawarra-coal/regulatory-

document

6.

Extraction Plans

Ensure that the management plans include an assessment of

the potential environmental consequences of the Extraction

Plan, incorporating any relevant information that has been

obtained since this approval and a detailed description of the

measures that would be implemented to remediate predicted

impacts.

Link to Subsidence Management Plans and

Extraction Plans

http://www.south32.net/our-


document

7.

First Workings

Carry out first workings within the project area, other than in

accordance with an approved extraction plan.

Link to Subsidence Management Plans and

Extraction Plans



document

8.

Payment of Reasonable Costs

Pay all reasonable costs incurred by the Department to engage

suitably qualified, experienced and independent experts to



review the adequacy of any aspect of an Extraction Plan.

9.

Improved Understanding and Prediction of Subsidence Impacts

Prepare and implement a program to improve its prediction and

understanding of subsidence impacts (in particular sub-surface

impacts and impacts on groundwater resources).

See section 3.14.4 of this AEMR for information on

the BSO Environmental Research Program.

10.

Improved Understanding and Prediction of Environmental

Consequences on Significant Natural Features

Prepare and implement a Research Program and allocate

$1,000,000 in total to this program for expenditure over a period

of seven years from the date of the program’s approval.

As above.

Schedule 4 – Specific Environmental Conditions – General


1.

Noise – Noise Impact Assessment Criteria

Ensure that the noise generated does not exceed the identified criteria

at any residence on privately-owned land or on more than 25 percent

of any privately-owned land.

No exceedances of the noise criteria LAeq

(15min) (for Appin East receivers) are

attributed to mine related noise.

2.

Noise – Noise Impact Assessment Criteria

Ensure noise generated does not exceed the identified criteria at any

residence on privately-owned land or on more than 25 percent of any

privately-owned land.

As above.

3.

Noise Mitigation

Implement noise mitigation measures upon receiving written request

from identified residents.

No requests received during the Reporting

Period.

4.

Operating Conditions

The Proponent shall:

(a) implement best management practice, including all reasonable

and feasible noise mitigation measures, to minimise the construction,

operational and road traffic noise generated by the project;

(b) operate a comprehensive noise management system on site that

uses real-time noise monitoring data for mining operations and the

implementation of noise mitigation measures to ensure compliance

with the relevant conditions of this approval; and

(c) regularly assess the real-time noise monitoring to ensure

compliance with the relevant conditions of this approval,

to the satisfaction of the Director-General.

Link to Noise Mgmt. Plan



document

5. Noise Management Plan

Prepare and implement a Noise Management Plan.

Plan submitted and approved.



document

6.

Road Traffic Noise Mitigation

If after the end of June 2013, road traffic noise generated by the

project (including employee vehicles) results in an exceedance by

Condition not triggered during Reporting

Period.


more than 2 dB(A) of the NSW criteria for road traffic noise on

Douglas Park Drive or Macarthur Road at any residence on privately-

owned land, then the Proponent shall, upon receiving a written

request from the landowner, implement reasonable and feasible noise

mitigation measures (such as double-glazing, insulation, and/or air

conditioning) at the residence in consultation with the landowner. If

within 3 months of receiving this request from the landowner, the

Proponent and the landowner cannot agree on the measures to be

implemented, or there is a dispute about the implementation of these

measures, then either party may refer the matter to the Director-

General for resolution.

7. Air Quality & Greenhouse Gas – Odour

Ensure that no offensive odours are emitted from the site.


Period. One complaint received for odour

during the reporting period it was transient in

nature.

8.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Implement all reasonable and feasible measures to minimise the

release of greenhouse gas emissions from the site.

Link to Air Quality and GHG Mgmt. Plan



document

9.

Air Quality Criteria

Ensure all reasonable and feasible avoidance and mitigation

measures are employed so that the particulate emissions generated

by the project do not exceed the criteria.




document

10.

Air Quality Acquisition Criteria

If the particulate matter emissions generated by the project exceed

the criteria in Tables 7, 8 and 9 at any residence on privately-owned

land or on more than 25 percent of any privately owned land, then

upon receiving a written request for acquisition from the landowner

the Proponent shall acquire the land in accordance with the

procedures in Conditions 5 - 6 of Schedule 5.


Period.

11.

Operating Conditions

Implement best practice air quality management on site, including all

reasonable and feasible measures to minimise the off-site odour,

fume and dust emissions generated by the project, including from any

spontaneous combustion on site.




document

12.

Air Quality & Greenhouse Gas Management Plan

Prepare and implement a detailed Air Quality & Greenhouse Gas

Management Plan.


http://www.bhpbilliton.com/home/society/regula

tory/Documents/_coal/illawarra/bulliseam/1311

13_coal_illawarra_bulliseam_AirQualityandGr

eenhouseGasManagementPlanV2.pdf

13.

Meteorological Monitoring

Ensure that there is a suitable meteorological station operating in the

vicinity of the site.

Weather station installed at West cliff Mine,

Appin Mine and No. 6 Shaft.

14. Compensatory Water Supply Water supplied as per the management plan.

http://www.bhpbilliton.com/home/society/regulatory/Documents/_coal/illawarra/bulliseam/131113_coal_illawarra_bulliseam_AirQualityandGreenhouseGasManagementPlanV2.pdf





Provide a compensatory water supply to any owner of privately-

owned land whose water supply is adversely impacted (other than an

impact that is negligible) as a result of the project.

15.

Surface Water Discharge

Ensure all surface water discharges from the site (including from the

Brennans Creek Dam) comply with the discharge limits (both volume

and quality) set for the project in any EPL.

Surface water discharge monitored in

accordance with the EPL.



document

16. Surface Water Management Plan

Prepare and implement a Surface Water Management Plan.

Plan submitted and approved. Link to Surface

Water Mgmt. Plan



document

17.

West Cliff Coal Wash Emplacement Area – West Cliff Coal Wash

Emplacement Area Management Plan

Prepare and implement a West Cliff Coal Wash Emplacement Area

Management Plan.

Plan submitted, and approved by the DoPE.



document f.

Plan was recently reviewed and will be re-

submitted for approval in 2016.

18.

West Cliff Coal Wash Emplacement Area Biodiversity Offset Strategy

Provide a suitable biodiversity offset strategy to compensate for the

impacts of Stage 4 of the West Cliff Coal Wash Emplacement Area.

Throughout the period from 2013-2016,

Illawarra Coal undertook numerous

meetings and held discussions with

senior officers of the Department of

Environment and Planning, Office of

Environment and Heritage, relevant

Ministerial Offices and Water NSW in

relation to the suitability of the proposed

offsets.

In March 2016, the final Strategic

Biodiversity Offset was submitted to the

Department of Planning and Environment

for approval. The final Strategy was

endorsed by OEH.

19.

West Cliff Coal Wash Emplacement Area Biodiversity Offset Strategy

Provide appropriate long-term security for the offset areas by 31

December 2012.

As above.

20.

Underground Coal Wash Emplacement Trial

Prepare and undertake an Underground Coal Wash Emplacement

Trial.

Illawarra Coal submitted a revised

Underground Coal Wash Emplacement Trial

to the Department October 2013. The revised

Plan proposed to defer the trial for 5 years for

the following reasons:

The trial replicates what has been

http://www.bhpbilliton.com/home/society/regulatory/Documents/_coal/illawarra/bulliseam/140812_coal_illawarra_bulliseam_WestCliffCoalWashEmplacementAreaManagementPlan.pdf





demonstrated by another Southern District

Colliery

The declaration of Dharawal National Park has

eliminated a significant area of potentially

suitable roadways for underground coalwash

emplacement

Illawarra Coal’s focus on diverting material

from surface emplacement via alternative

beneficial uses continues.

Following discussions with the Department,

further commitments have been included in the

Plan to report on the research annually in the

AEMR during the deferred period.

21.

Project Surface Infrastructure Management – Gas Drainage

Management Plan

Prepare and implement a Gas Drainage Management Plan.

Plans submitted and approved.

http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/prpoeoapp/ViewP

OEOLicence.aspx?DOCID=33589&SYSUID=

1&LICID=2504

22. Service Boreholes Management Plan

Prepare and implement a Service Boreholes Management Plan.

Link to Borehole Mgmt. Plan



document

23.

Personal Emergency Device (PED) Communication Management

Plan

Prepare and implement a PED Communications Management Plan.

Plan has not been required. There are no

plans to install a PED cable as technology has

advanced and the BSO communications

systems are being installed underground.

24. Heritage – Heritage Management Plan

Prepare and implement a Heritage Management Plan.

Plan submitted and approved. Link to Heritage

Mgmt. Plan



document

25.

Transport – Monitoring of Coal Transport

Keep accurate records of the amount of coal transported from the site

(on a daily basis) and make these records publicly available on its

website at the end of each financial year.

Documents are maintained in the Illawarra

Coal document registers. Records are on our

website:



document

26. Traffic Management Plan

Prepare and implement a Traffic Management Plan.

Plan was developed and submitted to the

Director General on 21/12/2013. Plan was

formally approved July 2015. .

27.

Visual – Visual Amenity and Lighting

Minimise the visual impacts, and particularly the off-site lighting

impacts, of the main infrastructure area and associated ancillary

surface works.

Lighting setup in accordance with consent

conditions.

28. Waste Waste management in accordance with the

http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/prpoeoapp/ViewPOEOLicence.aspx?DOCID=33589&SYSUID=1&LICID=2504




Minimise the waste (including coal reject) and ensure that the waste

generated by the project is appropriately stored, handled and

disposed of.

waste management plan.

29. Waste

Prepare and implement a Waste Management Plan.

Link to Waste Mgmt. Plan



document

30.

Bushfire Management

Ensure that the project is suitably equipped to respond to any fires on

site; and assist the Rural Fire Service and emergency services as

much as possible if there is a fire in the surrounding area.

Sites are equipped to manage bushfires.

Asset protection zones are maintained.

31. Rehabilitation – Rehabilitation Objectives

Rehabilitate the site to describe satisfactory level.

Rehabilitation conducted in accordance with

rehabilitation management plan.

32. Progressive Rehabilitation

Carry out the rehabilitation of the site progressively.

Rehabilitation conducted in accordance with

rehabilitation management plan.

33.

Rehabilitation Management Plan

Prepare and implement a Rehabilitation Management Plan.

Plan submitted and approved in 2012. Link to

Mining Operations Plan/RMP



document

Schedule 5 – Additional Procedures


1.

Notification of Landowners

Notify affected landowners in writing of the exceedance, and provide regular

monitoring results to each affected landowner until the project is again

complying with the relevant criteria.

Condition not triggered during

Reporting Period.

2.

Independent Review

As required commission a suitably qualified, experienced and independent

person, to consult with the landowner to determine his/her concerns, conduct

monitoring to determine whether the project is complying with the relevant

criteria.


Reporting Period.

3.

Independent Review

If the independent review determines that the project is complying with the

relevant criteria in Schedule 4, then the Proponent may discontinue the

independent review with the approval of the Director-General.

If the independent review determines that the project is not complying with the

relevant impact assessment criteria in Schedule 4, and that the project is

primarily responsible for this non-compliance, then the Proponent shall:

(a) implement all reasonable and feasible mitigation measures, in consultation

with the landowner and appointed independent person, and conduct further

monitoring until the project complies with the relevant criteria; or

(b) secure a written agreement with the landowner to allow exceedances of


Reporting Period.


the relevant criteria,

to the satisfaction of the Director-General.

If the independent review determines that any relevant acquisition criteria in

schedule 4 are being exceeded

and that the project is primarily responsible for this non-compliance, then upon

receiving a written request from the landowner, the Proponent shall acquire all

or part of the landowner’s land in accordance with the procedures in

Conditions 4-5 below.

4.

Land Acquisition

Make a binding written offer to the landowner within 3 months of receiving a

written request.


Reporting Period.

5. Land Acquisition

Pay all reasonable costs associated with the land acquisition process.


Reporting Period.

Schedule 6 – Environmental Management, reporting and Auditing


1.

Environmental Management Strategy

Prepare and implement an Environmental Management

Strategy for the project.

Strategy submitted and approved. Link to Environmental

Management Strategy.

http://www.south32.net/our-operations/australia/illawarra-

coal/regulatory-document

2.

Management Plan Requirements

Ensure management plans required under this approval are

prepared in accordance with any relevant guidelines.

Management Plans are prepared in accordance with

relevant guidelines.

3. Adaptive Management

Assess and manage project-related risks. Condition not triggered during Reporting Period.

4. Annual Review

Review the environmental performance of the projects. Refer to 2016 AEMR

5.

Revision of Strategies, Plans and Programs

Review and revise strategies, plans and programs within 3

months of the annual review, the submission of an incident

report, submission of an audit report and/or modification to

the conditions of this approval.

Plans were reviewed as required by the

recommendations in the Triennial Audit Report.

6.

Community Consultative Committee

Establish and operate a new Community Consultative

Committee (CCC) which must be operated in general

accordance with the Guidelines for Establishing and

Operating Community Consultative Committees for Mining

Projects (Department of Planning, 2007, or its latest

version), and be operating by 30 September 2012.

Community Consultative Committee is operational in

accordance with the Guidelines for Establishing and

Operating Community Consultative Committees for

Mining Projects.

7.

Reporting – Incident Reporting

Notify the Director-General and any other relevant agencies

of any incident that has caused, or threatens to cause,



material harm to the environment and provide a detailed

report on the incident.

8.

Regular Reporting

Regularly report on the environmental performance on the

website.

Link to BSO 14 Day EPL Reporting and BSO Project

Approval monitoring requirements.



9.

Independent Environmental Audit

Commission and pay the full cost for independent

environmental auditor of the project.

URS Australia Pty Ltd was engaged by IC to carry out an

Independent Environmental Audit of the BSO.

The audit commenced December 2013 and was

completed in February 2014; the report was provided to

IC on 2nd April 2014.

Overall good compliance levels were achieved across

approval and licence conditions with only 4 non-

compliances and 3 indeterminates.

3 out of the 4 non-compliances related to previously

reported EPL 2504 non-compliances; and

Other non-compliance related to submission of 2013

Annual Report (EPBC approval) being 5 days late.

Next audit due Dec 2016.

10.

Independent Environmental Audit

Within 6 weeks of the completion of this audit provide a

copy of the audit report.

As above.

11.

Access to Information

From 30 June 2012, make copies of specified documents

publically available on the website and keep them up to

date.

All approved plans, strategies and monitoring results are

on the south32 Regulatory Webpage.




APPENDIX F: REHABILITATION COST ESTIMATE

Rehabilitation cost estimate provided only for Department of Industry, Division of Resource and Energy. Cost estimate is commercial in nature. Please contact the Department or Illawarra Coal representative for further information.